Arrest of Private Landowner Accused of Threatening Fishermen on Public Waters Announced

Pecos, N.M. — Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced the arrest of Erik Michael Briones on five counts of aggravated assault involving alleged threatening and menacing conduct with a firearm against individuals lawfully recreating in the Pecos River.

According to the criminal complaint and affidavit filed in San Miguel Magistrate Court, Briones is accused of repeatedly threatening fishermen between April 2023 and March 2026 while they were navigating public waters near his property. Witnesses reported that Briones brandished firearms, threatened to begin “target practicing” near them, and made statements that caused victims to believe they were about to be shot.

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The charges stem from multiple incidents involving separate victims who reported hostile encounters with Briones while fishing in or near the Pecos River. Investigators took witness statements, collected video footage, photographs, and conducted photo array identifications before seeking the arrest warrant.

“These allegations involve dangerous and unlawful intimidation directed at New Mexicans who were exercising their legal right to access and recreate in public waters,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “No one has the right to threaten violence against members of the public because they disagree with established law. Our office will continue enforcing both the criminal laws of this state and the public access protections guaranteed under New Mexico law.”

The arrest follows years of litigation over public access to the Pecos River. The New Mexico Department of Justice previously prevailed in civil litigation affirming that the public may lawfully recreate in public waters, even where those waters flow adjacent to private property. That ruling was later upheld again by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit after being appealed.

Last month, the court also granted the State’s motion to hold Briones in contempt in the related civil matter after finding continued violations tied to public access protections and court orders governing the river.

The New Mexico Department of Justice is also releasing video footage referenced in the investigation that allegedly shows Briones threatening fishermen and stating that he would use them as “target practice.” This video footage is HERE.

Arrest Warrant