Farmington, NM – Farmington Police were dispatched around 5:40 p.m. yesterday to Smith’s Grocery Store located at 600 E. 20^th in reference to a robbery. Officers arrived on scene and learned that 24-year-old Raheem Benally, armed with a knife, approached a man and attempted to take his mountain bike. The incident occurred near the southwest entrance of the business. The two men struggled and the victim, a 47-year-old man from Farmington, was able to get the knife away from Benally. The victim was knocked to the ground during the struggle at which time Benally grabbed the man’s wallet and fled.

Benally was located at Brookside Park near the skate ramps. When he saw officers, he ran into the wooded area and hid. Officers established a perimeter; New Mexico State Police and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist. An FPD K9 Unit was sent into the wooded area to search for the suspect. He was located around 7:20 and taken into custody. Benally was arrested and charged with robbery, resisting and evading, and trespassing.