A man in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is facing multiple charges after police say he threw rocks at passing vehicles, chased a vehicle carrying two children, and later attempted to strike officers with rocks.
The Santa Fe Police Department (SFPD) said officers responded at approximately 6:55 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, after receiving multiple reports of a man throwing rocks at vehicles along Cerrillos Road near Cordova Road.
Police said at least four drivers reported their vehicles had been struck. The damage included broken windows and other vehicle damage, while one driver suffered a minor cut from broken windshield glass.
The SFPD also shared photos showing some of the damaged vehicles, broken windows, and the rocks allegedly used during the incident.
Chasing Vehicle Carrying Children
Police later identified the suspect as 28-year-old Souleymane Soumah of Santa Fe.
According to the department, Soumah allegedly chased a vehicle occupied by a driver and two children while continuing to throw rocks. The vehicle sustained damage as the driver attempted to leave the area.
Police also said a New Mexico Department of Transportation vehicle was struck by a rock, damaging one of its windows.
Suspect Found
Responding officers were directed to Railyard Park, where police said they located Soumah holding a rock in each hand.
When officers attempted to contact him, he allegedly refused commands and fled on foot. During the encounter, police said Soumah attempted to strike an officer with a rock.
Officers eventually used a less-lethal Taser and an expandable baton to subdue him and take him into custody.
Arrested and Charged
Soumah faces five counts of felony criminal damage, two counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer, seven counts of aggravated assault, aggravated battery, battery on a peace officer, and two counts of resisting, evading, or obstructing a peace officer.
Police also said he had an active warrant for failure to appear at the time of his arrest.
Following the arrest, Soumah was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance. After being discharged, he was booked into the Santa Fe County Adult Detention Center.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and Soumah is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.