SANTA FE, N.M. – Santa Fe police arrested Elder Omar Mencius-Yax after a barricaded situation early Saturday morning.

On Feb. 13, 2026, police received a call about Mencius-Yax firing a handgun inside a residence and threatening a caller. Officers responded, setting up a perimeter near Joshua Lane.

An emergency alert was issued at 12:15 a.m. advising residents to avoid the area. Police say officers attempted to communicate with Mencius-Yax, but he appeared impaired and did not comply with commands to exit.

Santa Fe Police Special Operations, including SWAT and Crisis Negotiations, were activated. After hours of negotiation, the SWAT team arrested Mencius-Yax without incident early Saturday morning.

Mencius-Yax has been booked on charges including aggravated assault and shooting at a dwelling. The emergency alert was lifted at 7 a.m. Saturday.

Elder Omar Mencius-Yax