Good deed goes awry for Navajo Nation ranger

Copyright © 2008
Gallup Independent
By Kathy Helms
Diné Bureau

PINEDALE — A Navajo Nation ranger from the Department of Resource Enforcement was assaulted and beaten by three people around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday after stopping to help a stranded motorist.

According to Chief Leonard G. Butler of Resource Enforcement, the 40-year-old male ranger and a recruit ranger were on their way to take a report of illegal woodcutting from a person in the Pinedale area when they came upon what looked to be a disabled truck with a small child inside.

Butler said that when the ranger approached the vehicle he was confronted by three individuals. The ranger smelled alcohol on the breath of one suspect and observed an open box of beer in the truck. The suspects indicated that their truck had stalled and they were waiting for help.

The ranger seized the beer and was assaulted and beaten to the extent that he was taken to Gallup Indian Medical Center for treatment of a swollen eye and a shoulder injury. The recruit was not hurt.

The suspects managed to get the truck started and left the area before the arrival of other law enforcement officers. Resource Enforcement is working with Navajo Police in the investigation. Butler said the suspects have been identified and charges and warrants will be forthcoming.

“As the chief of rangers for the Navajo Nation, this action cannot and will not be tolerated,” Butler said. “All the suspects involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent for battery of a law enforcement officer who was merely checking to see if assistance was needed.

“Navajo Nation rangers and police officers are performing a very difficult job and should have the respect and support of local communities in ensuring the safety of all our communities on the Nation. The Department of Resource Enforcement thanks all those who came forward with information and assisted in the identification of these suspects,” Butler said.