Written by Lieutenant Mark Soriano 05/30/2022
On Saturday, May 28, 2022, at around 9:45 p.m., the New Mexico State Police Uniform Bureau in Tucumcari responded to Cemetery Road and 4774 Quay County Road 63 in Tucumcari, New Mexico in reference to a shooting victim. The victim, later identified as Michael Arellano (46), of Tucumcari, NM, was transported to the local hospital where he was pronounced deceased by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was called to investigate the incident. Agents learned that Arellano and Tyje Garrett (42) of Tucumcari, NM were at a graduation party at a residence in Tucumcari. Sometime during the party, there was a verbal altercation between Arellano and Garrett. Arellano left the party and was seen walking north on Cemetery Road. Garrett also left the party in his truck. Garrett drove past Arellano, then turned around and drove his truck towards Arellano. Garrett exited his truck and approached Arellano, after which a verbal altercation ensued. During the altercation, Garrett reportedly shot Arellano multiple times. Garrett then left the scene.
A be on the lookout (BOLO) for Garrett and his truck was broadcasted to all law enforcement agencies. Garrett was taken into custody without incident by the Logan Police in Logan, New Mexico. He was later booked into the Quay County Detention Center. Tyje Garrett is charged with the following:
- Murder in the 1st Degree (Open Count
This homicide investigation remains active and ongoing, as Investigation Bureau agents continue to gather all relevant evidence, interviews, and information.
