GRANTS, N.M. (KRQE) – A 64-year-old man was arrested after the Cibola County Sheriff’s Office said he threatened a judge. The incident occurred on Monday, April 8.
Detective Brian Gardner with the Cibola County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a statement of probable cause that 64-year-old John Karl OBrien made verbal threats and was upset about the legal system. This prompted Cibola County District Court to go on lockdown.
Detective Gardner reported that he saw OBrien carrying a “large axe” and told OBrien to put the axe down. Gardner reported that he drew his department-issued firearm during the confrontation.
OBrien eventually complied and surrendered to law enforcement. He was booked and accused of attempting to commit first-degree murder, threatening a judge, and use of telephone to terrify, intimidate, threaten, harass, annoy, or offend.
Prosecutors have asked a magistrate court to hold OBrien while he waits for a trial. Under the state’s justice system, OBrien is considered innocent until proven guilty.
*Editor’s Note: Court records show various spellings of the defendant’s name.
