COLFAX COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Updated 4-10-2026
By Marty Mayfield
MAXWELL, N.M., On April 9, 2026, at approximately 10:48 a.m., Colfax County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to 211 Parque Avenue in Maxwell, after receiving a report that a female had pointed a firearm at two Village of Maxwell employees who were inside a village vehicle near the residence.
According to court records a female identified as Beatrice Arellano pointed a firearm at the two village workers as they drove north on Second Street in Maxwell in front of the individual’s residence. She had raised the weapon above her head and as they drove by lowered the weapon and pointed at them yelling “I got it”. The village employees called 911 to report the incident.
Colfax County Sheriff’s Deputies and New Mexico State Police officers responded to the scene and attempted to make contact with Arellano. During those efforts, the Arellano stopped communicating with law enforcement and barricaded herself inside the residence.
As a safety precaution, Maxwell Schools were immediately notified and placed on lockdown while law enforcement established a perimeter. Law enforcement then worked closely with school staff to ensure students were released to their parents in a controlled and safe manner.
As the incident progressed, the Colfax County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the New Mexico State Police Tactical Team and Crisis Negotiation Team to assist with the service of a search warrant and arrest warrant at the residence.
After a nearly seven-hour standoff Beatrice Arellano age 63 was arrested on warrant for two counts of Assault with a deadly weapon, which is a fourth degree felony, and booked into the Vigil Moldonado Detention Center. Arellano will be arraigned before Magistrate Judge Amy Hronich on Tuesday April 14th, 2026 according to court filings.
The Colfax County Sheriff’s Office thanks Springer EMS, Cimarron EMS, New Mexico State Police, the New Mexico State Police Tactical Team and Crisis Negotiation Team, Maxwell Municipal Schools, and the Maxwell community for their assistance, coordination, patience, and support as law enforcement worked to resolve this incident safely.
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