Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty After Armed Confrontation With Federal Task Force Officers During Traffic Stop

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — An Albuquerque man has pleaded guilty to multiple federal firearms and assault charges after authorities said he pulled a loaded handgun on federally deputized law enforcement officers during a traffic stop that quickly escalated into a violent confrontation.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, Jason Paul Baca, 36, admitted guilt to federal charges stemming from the November 2025 incident, including being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, assaulting federal officers with a deadly weapon, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

The case highlights the dangers law enforcement officers routinely encounter during what begin as seemingly routine traffic stops.

Court documents state that deputies with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop in Albuquerque on November 12, 2025, after observing a vehicle with an invalid registration.

During the stop, deputies learned that the driver had a revoked driver’s license and that Baca, who was riding as a passenger, had an outstanding felony warrant.

As deputies attempted to arrest him, officers—including two federally deputized members of the U.S. Marshals Service assigned to Operation Triple Beam—noticed a handgun concealed on Baca’s person.

Authorities said Baca resisted arrest before fleeing on foot.

Investigators stated that he then pulled a loaded pistol from his waistband, brandished it, and pointed it directly at the two federal task force officers. Faced with what authorities described as an immediate deadly threat, deputies discharged their firearms.

Baca was struck during the exchange, taken into custody, and transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.

Law enforcement recovered the handgun near Baca after the incident. According to court records, the firearm contained 13 rounds of ammunition.

Federal prosecutors said Baca was legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of prior felony convictions.

According to court records, his criminal history includes convictions for drug trafficking, burglary, and possession of a controlled substance.

Under federal law, individuals convicted of qualifying felony offenses are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Violations can result in significant federal prison sentences, particularly when firearms are used during violent crimes involving law enforcement officers.

Following the arrest, investigators searched the vehicle involved in the traffic stop.

According to court documents, deputies recovered a backpack containing fentanyl pills along with approximately 25 grams of fentanyl powder.

Federal officials did not indicate that the narcotics evidence was included in the guilty plea announced in this case. The discovery nevertheless underscores the continuing overlap between firearms offenses and dangerous narcotics investigations that federal and local law enforcement agencies encounter across the country.

Fentanyl remains one of the most lethal synthetic opioids in the United States. Because of its extreme potency, even relatively small quantities can pose a significant public safety risk, making fentanyl trafficking a major enforcement priority for federal agencies.

Baca pleaded guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of assaulting a federal officer with a deadly and dangerous weapon, and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

He now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison, with a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment. His final sentence will be determined by a federal judge during a future sentencing hearing after consideration of the advisory federal sentencing guidelines and other factors required under federal law.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico.

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