Albuquerque man faces federal charges for pointing gun at deputies during traffic stop

An Albuquerque man faces federal charges for allegedly pointing a gun at Bernalillo County Sheriff's deputies during a traffic stop that turned into a shooting.

Jason Baca, 36, of Albuquerque is charged with felony possession of a firearm, assault on a federal officer and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, according to a news release issued Monday by the U.S. attorney for the District of New Mexico. He faces a life sentence if convicted of the current charges. 

Baca will remain in custody until his trial, which has not yet been scheduled. 

On Nov. 12, deputies were working Operation Triple Beam, a crime-fighting operation with assistance from federal authorities, when they pulled over a vehicle around 4:45 p.m. for an invalid registration, the release states. Deputies learned that Baca, who was in the passenger seat, had an outstanding felony warrant for drug trafficking after allegedly selling $40 of fentanyl to an undercover officer in October and attempted to arrest him.

The deputies requested additional units to their location to assist in the arrest after noticing that Baca and the driver were displaying "nervous behavior traits," according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court, 

Deputies, three of whom were deputized U.S. Marshals Service task force officers, saw that Baca had a concealed firearm tucked in his waistband while attempting to arrest him, the complaint states. Baca took off on foot shortly after.

Video footage showed Baca point a gun toward deputies at some point during the arrest. A deputy yelled "gun, gun, gun" as law enforcement dove for cover, according to the complaint. 

Deputies opened fire and critically injured Baca before arresting him and taking him to a hospital for treatment. A loaded gun was found near Baca, a convicted felon who was not legally allowed to possess a firearm. 

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

Nakayla McClelland covers crime and breaking news. Reach her at nmcclelland@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3857.