Gallup SWAT arrests stabbing suspect on Scott Street

A Gallup man surrendered peacefully to a SWAT team after a reported stabbing in the 600 block of Scott Street on Dec. 26, drawing a heavy police response and leaving one person hospitalized.

Gallup Police Department officers arrived around 5:20 pm on Dec. 26 after a call about a stabbing, secured the area and requested SWAT support when they found the suspect still inside the residence. Officers identified the suspect as 36-year-old Sean Yazzie. One victim was transported to a local hospital. As of 9 pm on Dec. 26, officers were still working to secure an arrest warrant for all felony charges and a search warrant.

The scene closed off a portion of Scott Street for several hours and brought multiple patrol units and tactical officers into a neighborhood that residents say values close ties and quiet evenings. While the immediate threat ended when Yazzie surrendered, the episode has left neighbors asking questions about safety, how quickly police responded, and what support will follow for the victim and impacted families.

Legally, the department's next steps were to obtain arrest and search warrants before filing formal felony charges. That sequence follows standard criminal procedure and reflects the department's effort to build probable cause for court filings. For the community, it means the case will move into investigative and prosecutorial phases that could take days or weeks before charges are publicly announced.

Local impact extends beyond the block. A high-profile SWAT response can strain community trust if residents feel blindsided; it can also reassure neighbors that police took decisive action to contain a potentially violent situation. In McKinley County, where many households include extended family networks and community events are central to daily life, even a single violent incident reverberates widely.

Residents who were in the area at the time may notice continued police activity linked to evidence gathering and follow-up interviews. Those with information relevant to the incident can help the investigation by contacting Gallup Police Department through its non-emergency channels. Community leaders and service providers may also step in to support the victim and families, though details about injuries and next steps have not been released by police.

The takeaway? Expect official updates as warrants and charges move forward, and look out for neighbors who may need help after a scary night. If you saw or heard anything that could assist investigators, reach out to Gallup Police — and keep an eye on safety at home, especially on quiet streets like Scott Street where our neighborhoods come together. Our two cents? Stick together, share what you know, and let due process play out while you look after each other.