Federal Charges Filed Against Zuni Man After Armed Standoff Ends in Shooting at Law Enforcement

DOJPhoto byAlamogordo Town News

A Zuni man was charged by criminal complaint following an hours-long armed standoff with law enforcement, during which he fired multiple shots at FBI agents and tribal police officers responding to a domestic disturbance call on the Zuni Pueblo reservation.

Eric Bowannie, 26, an enrolled member of the Zuni Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to the criminal complaint, on July 6, 2024, a family disturbance in Zuni, New Mexico escalated into a standoff between law enforcement and Bowannie.

Bowannie allegedly barricaded himself inside a residence and fired upon Zuni Police Department officers outside the home. When more officers responded to the scene, Bowannie reportedly charged at them with an ax before retrieving a shotgun from a nearby bedroom and shooting at the officers.

Agents from the FBI responded to the scene and ordered Bowannie to exit the residence with his hands up, but he refused to comply.

Throughout the standoff, Bowannie moved between the front door and windows, firing multiple rounds. He was also observed at the back of the residence holding a rifle.

Eventually, Bowannie crawled out of the back of the residence and was spotted approximately a quarter mile away attempting to flee. He surrendered when given commands by local law enforcement.

A search of the residence recovered 57 .22 caliber casings and 5 spent shotgun shells both inside and outside the home.

In a subsequent interview, Bowannie admitted he was not supposed to possess firearms due to active felony warrants. He stated his initial plan was "suicide by cop" but changed his mind after speaking with his "baby mama." Bowannie also admitted to firing shots at FBI agents and considering shooting at a police officer before ultimately deciding to surrender.

If convicted of the current charges, Bowannie faces up to 27 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Ry Ellison and Kirk Williams are prosecuting the case.

View the Criminal Complaint