Escalation: Albuquerque Man Faces Federal Firearms Charges After Threatening Deputies with Firearm During Traffic Stop

ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man is federally charged after allegedly pointing a handgun at Bernalillo County Sheriff’s deputies during a November 12, 2025, traffic stop that escalated into a shooting.

According to court documents, on November 12, 2025, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop in Albuquerque for an invalid registration and discovered that the driver’s license was revoked and that passenger Jason Baca, 36, had an outstanding felony warrant. During the arrest attempt, deputies—three of whom were federally deputized U.S. Marshals Service task force officers—observed a handgun concealed on Baca’s person.

Baca resisted arrest, fled on foot, and pointed the firearm toward deputies, prompting deputies to discharge their weapons. Baca was struck, taken into custody, and transported for medical treatment. A loaded pistol was recovered near him.

As a previously convicted felon, Baca is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.

A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a backpack containing fentanyl pills and 25.65 grams of fentanyl powder.

Baca is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, assault on a federal officer, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. Baca faces a sentence of up to life in prison if convicted of the current charges.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Elena Stiteler is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.