Store robbed, 2 people arrested

By Natasha Kaye Johnson
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — An arraignment is pending for two Jeddito residents who are accused of robbing the Red Mesa store Saturday in Indian Wells.

Leland Benally, 32, and Patty Ann Ruiz, 43, allegedly robbed the trading post around 5:30 p.m., and fled from the scene.

The store clerk reported the robbery, and officials carried out interviews with three employees who witnessed the incident.

Officials viewed the security tape which showed Ruiz walking into the store to get matches. The manager immediately knew Ruiz when she entered because they are neighbors. After Ruiz exited, Benally entered the store. Though he was wearing a dark colored bandanna around his face, employees immediately knew who he was.

Benally grabbed the register, and began exiting. The clerk grabbed the register power cord in an attempt to stop Benally, but the cord broke. Another female clerk went outside to get the vehicle license plate number. Benally and Ruiz then sped off in a 2004 maroon Nissan sedan, with Ruiz driving. Two males, later identified as Guy Chee Benally, and Clarence Archie, were in the backseat of the car.

Officials interviewed Leland Benally's mother, Lena Benally, who informed officers that he was carrying a hand gun. Benally also stated that she thought Benally was doing meth in the house and feared for the safety of herself and her husband.

Hopi Law Enforcement officers were dispatched to assist in searching for the vehicle, and found Ruiz and Leland Benally around 10:30 p.m. at Mary Archie's residence.

Navajo Nation officials arrived on scene with Hopi officials, where Leland Benally attempted to flee from the vehicle and was apprehended in a wooded area. Officials found his wallet in bushes with a large amount of one- and five-dollar bills inside. Ruiz was found with wads of money in both of her front pants pockets, totalling $185. A handgun was also found underneath the passenger seat.

Ruiz stated to police that she was unaware that Leland Benally was going to rob the store. Ruiz said Leland Benally ran out of the store, and then told her that he would shoot her if she didn't drive. They stated that they counted the money at Leland Benally's mother's home, and then threw the cash register out by the school. Both were transported to Window Rock Adult Detention.

Leland Benally was charged with robbery, public intoxication, criminal nuisance, theft, unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon, tampering with physical evidence, and criminal damage. Ruiz was charged with driving while intoxicated, possession of liquor, and unlawful flight from pursuing law enforcement vehicle.

Guy Chee Benally and Clarence Archie were apparently unaware of what was taking place and were not charged.