Navajo Police Department

10/16/2026

▪️ROAD CLOSURE UPDATE: MANY FARMS, ARIZONA▪️

5:38 p.m./Oct. 15, 2026

N8084 in Many Farms is now OPEN. Please continue to use caution in the area and respect all traffic control indicators.

Photo provided by Navajo Nation Division of Transportation.

10/15/2026

▪️ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE: MANY FARMS, ARIZONA▪️

12:30 p.m./Oct. 15, 2026

N8084 in Many Farms is CLOSED until further notice due to significant roadway damage.

Please avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

10/15/2026

Good morning, Navajo Nation! ☀️

Hope everyone has a great Thursday! Remember to buckle up, put the phone down, watch your speed, don’t drink and drive, and give the road your full attention.

Take care of yourself and yours, check on family members and neighbors and make sure they are ok, especially our elderly who may not be able to physically prepare for the recent cold weather.

Let’s also keep our community members being recently impacted by flooding in our thoughts.

Have a great Thursday!

10/14/2026

It’s unfortunate our partners at the Navajo Nation Division of Transportation have to make this post concerning stolen replacement parts meant to repair the damaged culverts in Mexican Springs, New Mexico.

The message is simple: DO NOT TAKE MATERIALS FROM CONSTRUCTION SITES FOR ANY REASON.

Theft of their materials adds delays for much-needed improvements for the local community.

⚠️ Public Notice - Stolen Parts ⚠️

Navajo DOT’s Galvanized Steel Culvert Connecting Bands designated for repairs on N30 in the Mexican Springs community have been stolen.

As a result, repairs have been delayed while replacement parts are in the process of being reordered. These components are essential for roadway infrastructure.

We respectfully ask community members to please refrain from taking construction materials or equipment.

Theft of these items impacts road costs and adds delays for much-needed improvements for the local community.

(Photo: an image of the galvanized bands stolen)

10/14/2026

Arizona Man Charged with Four Sexual Assaults of a Child

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2026

ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man has been indicted in connection with four alleged s*xual assaults on a child that occurred over a three-year period on the Navajo Nation.

According to court documents, between June 2017 and June 2020, Roman B. Ortiz, 36, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in or attempted to engage in s*x acts with a minor under 12 years old, doing so at a residence located within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation.

Ortiz is charged with four counts of aggravated s*xual abuse. Ortiz will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Ortiz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison per felony charge.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.

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Roman B. Ortiz has been indicted in connection with four alleged s*xual assaults on a child that occurred over a three-year period on the Navajo Nation.

10/14/2026

Shiprock Woman Charged in Fatal Shooting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2026

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock woman has been charged with second degree murder for allegedly shooting and killing a man outside her residence.

According to court documents, on October 4, 2026, Letisha Begay, 39, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly shot a man following an encounter outside her residence in Shiprock, New Mexico. According to investigators, Begay told responding officers that the man had been drinking throughout the day and returned to her residence looking for his motorcycle. Begay said she returned home after receiving a phone call from her distressed daughter and found the man taking the keys to her truck.

A nearby witness reported hearing a loud bang before seeing a pickup truck backing toward another vehicle. The truck struck the vehicle, and witnesses found the man unconscious behind the wheel with a gunshot wound to his chest. Begay approached the truck and initially told a witness that the man had shot himself. She attempted to stop the bleeding while witnesses called for help. Responding officers attempted lifesaving measures, but the man died at the scene.

While speaking with officers, Begay allegedly admitted shooting the man but said she had not intended to do so. She directed officers to a pistol inside her residence and confirmed that it was the fi***rm involved in the shooting. Investigators also observed a shattered driver's side window with a small hole in the glass.

Begay is charged with second degree murder and discharging a fi***rm during and in relation to a crime of violence. She will remain on condition of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Begay faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and maximum of life imprisonment.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Ray Slatton is prosecuting the case.

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Letisha Begay has been charged with second degree murder for allegedly shooting and killing a man outside her residence.

10/14/2026

Join the Navajo Police Department Tuba City District’s Trunk or Treat on Halloween night!🎃👻🔮🕸️🕷️🧟‍♂️

This event is safe and fun for everyone! Don’t forget to mark your calendar for a fun night of family activities, candy and more. See you there! 🧡🖤

10/14/2026

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a Navajo Police Department officer? Are you interested in learning more about how to become one?

Here’s your opportunity! Come to our next NPD Recruit Drive held at the Crownpoint District at 9 AM, on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Questions? Speak with Officer Derek Drake at (928) 660-1551.

10/14/2026

More flooding photos captured around Chinle, Arizona, at 6:51 PM this evening.

Please continue to stay alert, look after one another, and avoid flooded areas.

10/14/2026

6:51 PM: Water flowing at the mouth of Canyon De Chelly, near the Visitor Center, after strong thunderstorms have moved through the area today.

We urge the public to stay away from flooded washes, roadways, and bridges.

Do not approach the edge of a wash to take photos or record video. Floodwaters can cause hidden erosion beneath pavement, dirt roads, bridges, and wash banks. These surfaces can collapse without warning, especially after heavy rainfall.

The force of floodwaters is powerful enough to sweep away a person or vehicle in seconds.

For your safety, stay away from flooded washes, roadways, and bridges.