Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms and Assault Charges for Threatening Deputies with Firearm During Traffic Stop

ALBUQUERQUE - An Albuquerque man pleaded guilty to assaulting federal task force officers with a firearm and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon after fleeing from deputies during a traffic stop in Albuquerque.

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deputies conducted a traffic stop in Albuquerque for an invalid registration and discovered that the driver's license was revoked and that passenger Jason Paul Baca, 36, had an outstanding felony warrant. During the arrest attempt, deputies, including two federally deputized U.S. Marshals Service task force officers participating in Operation Triple Beam, observed a handgun concealed on Baca's person.

Baca resisted arrest, fled on foot, and pulled the loaded pistol from his waistband. He brandished and pointed the firearm at two U.S. Marshals Service task force officers, prompting deputies to discharge their weapons. Baca was struck, taken into custody, and transported for medical treatment. The loaded pistol, containing 13 rounds of ammunition, was recovered near him.

As a previously convicted felon with prior convictions for drug trafficking, burglary, and possession of a controlled substance, Baca was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.

A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a backpack containing fentanyl pills and approximately 25 grams of fentanyl powder.

Baca pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of assault upon a federal officer using a deadly and dangerous weapon and using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and faces not less than seven years and up to life in prison at sentencing.

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

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.