An Albuquerque man, Jason Paul Baca, 36, has pleaded guilty to federal firearms and assault charges after threatening federal task force officers with a loaded pistol during a traffic stop in November 2025.
Court documents reveal that on November 12, 2025, Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office deputies stopped a vehicle for invalid registration in Albuquerque. During the stop, they discovered Baca, a passenger, had an outstanding felony warrant and observed a handgun concealed on his person. Two federally deputized U.S. Marshals Service task force officers were also present as part of Operation Triple Beam.
Baca resisted arrest, fled on foot, and pulled the loaded pistol from his waistband, brandishing and pointing it at the two U.S. Marshals Service task force officers. Deputies discharged their weapons, striking Baca, who was then taken into custody and received medical treatment. The loaded pistol, containing 13 rounds, was recovered nearby.
As a convicted felon with prior convictions for drug trafficking, burglary, and possession of a controlled substance, Baca was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. A subsequent search of the vehicle also uncovered a backpack containing fentanyl pills and approximately 25 grams of fentanyl powder. Baca faces a sentence of not less than seven years and up to life in prison.