On May 12, 2026, Paul Benavidez Jr (Wolfie) was taken into custody by Cuba PD federal partners following coordinated efforts involving the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State Police, and aerial support from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office. He was located in the county just outside the Village of Cuba.
Benavidez had outstanding warrants related to:
- Aggravated Assault Upon a Peace Officer (Deadly Weapon)
- Aggravated Fleeing a Law Enforcement Officer
In addition, NMSP will be adding an additional charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance (4th Degree Felony) on-top of the charges he currently possesses.
He also has pending court proceedings connected to additional offenses including aggravated fleeing, reckless driving, criminal damage to property, improper use of travel lanes, driving left of center, and failure to properly register/title a vehicle.
Over time, Benavidez repeatedly fled from both the Cuba Police Department and Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office during routine traffic stops, creating dangerous and potentially deadly situations for law enforcement officers and the public.
