An attack on an undercover Native American police officer in New Mexico is being considered a hate crime.

Shawn Halbert, 19, is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He is accused of attacking an officer during an undercover drug investigation.

The Bloomfield Police Department wants the county to prosecute Halbert under the state's hate crimes law. Halbert's attorney says the officer shares the blame for the incident.

Bloomfield is close to Farmington, a Navajo Nation border town.

Get the Story:
Man accused of attacking officer pleads not guilty (The Farmington Daily Times 8/23)

Relevant Links:
Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org
Navajo Nation Council - http://www.navajonationcouncil.org

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