Man who died after standoff with NM cops had assault rifle, 'homemade bombs'

New Mexico State Police

Rex Michael Sherwood

A fugitive who spent five days on the run in New Mexico before dying in a weekend shootout with police left behind a vehicle containing explosives and questions about his possible links to anti-government groups, according to local authorities and published reports.

Rex Michael Sherwood, 48, was found dead Sunday in a gas station in Dulce, N.M., on the Jicarilla Apache reservation, after a gunfight with police.

It was Sherwood’s second violent confrontation with local law enforcement in a week, said Jake Arnold, a spokesman for the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office. On July 10, he exchanged gunfire with tribal police who pulled him over for failing to use his turn signal. After leading the officers on a 10-mile chase, he abandoned his Ford delivery truck and fled into the woods, Arnold said.


Sherwood resurfaced early Sunday, according to local news reports, when tribal police responding to a reported break-in at a Dulce gas station and convenience store came under fire from inside. After a lengthy standoff, during which the tribal officers were joined by state police, FBI agents and officers from other local agencies, a remote-controlled robot entered the building and detected the body of a single gunman lying on the floor.

 


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The state medical examiner identified Sherwood through fingerprints. A statement Tuesday by the Jicarilla Apache Nation on Tuesday said that he had died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound from the AK-47 assault rifle he was carrying.

KRQE-TV of Albuquerque quoted unidentified sources as saying that Sherwood was a computer expert with extreme anti-government opinions.

It also quoted the sources as saying that “homemade bombs” were found in the back of the truck he abandoned.

Arnold, the sheriff’s department spokesman, confirmed that explosives were found in the vehicle and said that Sherwood was wearing a T-shirt bearing the name of a right-wing militia group when he died.

Frank Fisher, a spokesman with the Albuquerque FBI office, declined to discuss any details of the case. In a statement, the bureau asked anyone with information on the case to phone 505 889-1300

Jicarilla tribal police and a New Mexico state police spokesman did not immediately return calls seeking comment. 

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I sure would like to have that ak47, if they wasn't so high priced I'd buy one. And I know everything there is to know about explosive. Don't believe what I'm saying, go to utube and type in "jimmy ferris spur texas" the video is bout 12 minutes long but you'll laugh your butt off. It's about dynamite in a full septic tank.

    Reply#28 - Wed Jul 18, 2012 11:22 PM EDT

    It's about dynamite in a full septic tank

    How come guys from Texas love to blow sh*t up?

    • 1 vote
    #28.1 - Wed Jul 18, 2012 11:58 PM EDT

    I was 17 when that happened, and I knew more about explosives than most grown men. And thats a true story.

      #28.2 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 12:11 AM EDT
      Reply

      ...oh and to all the anti gun people...yup, lets ban guns so the only people that will have them are criminals...americans have lost their morals, minds, ethics and common sense. so get in line early for your black friday discount prices...try to not trample too many on your way in...lol....because ghettoness and lack of common sense rules the roost.

      • 1 vote
      Reply#29 - Wed Jul 18, 2012 11:31 PM EDT

      Good hunting.

        Reply#30 - Wed Jul 18, 2012 11:44 PM EDT

        These creepy delusional people almost always kill themselves when caught, real big statement that makes. The right wing extremists are a danger to the American public and need to be erased just like the Muslims do.

        • 1 vote
        Reply#31 - Wed Jul 18, 2012 11:45 PM EDT

        Can you be sure he was Right wing or left wing extremist? History shows the end result of either is pretty much the same end result. Think a little about the groups of the 60's thru the 80's that used assassination, bombs, kidnapping, bombing and murder as political tactics ... I seem to remember a "peoples" and "movement" attached to most of their names. What distinguished the differences between left wing extremist National Socialist Germany or USSR and say right wing extremist facist Italy? You may want to rethink your world view a bit. Extremists, no matter what stripe, have mental issues ... thats why there are conservatives to hold them in check.

        • 1 vote
        #31.1 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 7:01 AM EDT

        no not all muslims need to be erased just the criminal ones.

          #31.2 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 8:52 AM EDT

          The real cost of terrorism was blowing up the centered voice. Terrorism created the right left extremists.

            #31.3 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 1:25 PM EDT
            Reply

            possible links to anti-government groups

            Which ones? This is some loosey-goosey reporting.

            Maybe the anti-government groups include people who hold protest signs at a school board meeting too.

            Not that I think this guy was that benign.

            • 1 vote
            Reply#32 - Wed Jul 18, 2012 11:55 PM EDT

            All the expendable terrorists in the world, whose ultimate fate is to die young, unite! Go jump in a lake with concrete shoes! Leave us unfanatic, indispensible, and needed people alone.

            • 2 votes
            Reply#33 - Wed Jul 18, 2012 11:56 PM EDT

            Just another coward with a gun. At least he's the best kind. The dead kind.

            • 2 votes
            Reply#34 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 12:23 AM EDT

            I realize the story leads one to believe this guy was a right-wing terrorist, how? because they said so, in print. Most comments suggestion he was a white-terrorist, myself I think he's from the rez as he looks like a i-eska (half-breed), that would make him a native American right-wing terrorist. The story makes me think he was a frustrated, hateful S.O.B that needed to be colored gone, so be it, he can be buried in his favorite right-wing terrorist t-shirt. If he had been on my rez in South Dakota, he wouldn't have had a second chance to do harm to anyone I do know that for certain (just sayin...) Hau Mita-kuya-oyasin (We are all related).

            • 2 votes
            Reply#35 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 12:36 AM EDT

            JUST EFFING GREAT!!!!!!

            Another right wing extremist a-hole giving a bad name to law abiding citizens whom believe in their right to bear arms. He also belittles those that have served or died in defense of this nations constitution and the rights it entitles. Especially the right to bear arms. And why is it that all the anti-government wack-jobs have to be white? You're giving us all a bad name.

            If you don't like the government, then cast your vote to get them out of office. If it does not go your way, then too bad! You live in a democracy where the majority vote rules. If you don't like it, LEAVE! That is also your right. But you do not have the right to make it miserable for the rest of us.

            And to all you extremist right wing, Aryan Nation, white supremacist nut jobs, GET A FREAKING LIFE!!!!

            • 4 votes
            Reply#36 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 1:05 AM EDT

            Lets clear up a few assumptions. Before we begin I should point out I am neither a left wing nutcase nor a right wing nut case, just your average rational conservative. What was the intention of that right to bear arms and why was it important enough to be protected in the Constitution? The first act of every single tyranny in history is to remove the means of the citizen to resist was the primary reason. At the time the Constitution the average rifled firearm civilian was better armed than any military using standard issue musket, the writers knew this full well and considered that fact a protection against a large oppressive tyranny important. Now as to the "anti-government wack-jobs have to be white" .... go back in time a bit to those wonderful years of the 60's thru the 80's, the nut cases came in a variety of shapes genders and ethnicity. Now the misconception that the government is a Democracy where "the majority rules". That is one of the things the founders of the Republic tried to prevent, to much direct democracy. The reason being that direct democracy leads to the tyranny of the majority, that and that throughout recorded history one of the leading causes for the fall of democracies is that in the end the citizens end up voting for the politician who will promise them the biggest free lunch and the government goes broke leading to tyranny and oppression ..... the very thing they had just broke away from with a revolution. I suggest reading "The Federalist Papers" to understand a bit better about what the intent and function of the Constitution. I look at that picture and the idiot looks more hispanic or aboriginal than white to me so I reserve judgement on his ethnic origins for now.

            • 1 vote
            #36.1 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 7:27 AM EDT

            And look at the relationship between the Bill of Rights and the US Constitution. They exist together for a reason.

              #36.2 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 1:34 PM EDT
              Reply

              FYI..The Biden / Feinstein (crime bill) Assault Weapons, Gun Ban had a sunset clause because the So-called Assault Weapons were not the criminal's weapon of choice, untill Fast and Furious. So who is running from who? "Bombs" have been known to turn out to be firecrackers too. Right Wing Militia could mean anyone, even you Democrats. that's just another, "vast right wing conspiracy". Have some more Peyote, Officers?

                Reply#37 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 1:08 AM EDT

                Iamnotyou,

                Would you like someone like this guy living next door to you?

                Suppose you and your family are out shopping, or going to dinner, and someone like this goes berserk....and your family is caught in the crossfire? What then?

                I firmly believe in the Right to Bear Arms. But, do you think the Founding Fathers had today's weapons in mind?

                I also have an absolute belief in Free Speech. But, what about the lunatics who listen to people like Bachmann and Beck and Limbaugh and West.., and act on the crap they spew? What about the innocent people who are destroyed in the process? Oklahoma City?

                  #37.1 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 1:34 AM EDT

                  Lets not forget about the lunatic Liberals, we have plenty of them also.

                    #37.2 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 8:56 AM EDT

                    Put things in perspective. People leaving a bar are more endangering to you.

                    Mind you I do not like short sighted extremists period.

                      #37.3 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 1:37 PM EDT
                      Reply

                      Way too much don't add up. "was found dead" "after a shootout" "on a rez", nothing but questions....militia?

                      shot for failing to use turn signals...

                        Reply#38 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 1:16 AM EDT

                        Did you read the entire article?

                          #38.1 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 1:35 AM EDT

                          There are a couple of issues I question, none of which you address. First off is the label of "terrorist". At any point did he murder civilians or bomb anything for any known agenda? second is the assumption of his race, the same first mistaken assumption when a citizen volunteer was forced to protect his life in Florida recently, this guy looks more aboriginal or hispanic to me. Then there is the issue of his "assualt rifle". To be an assualt weapon it would have to be capable of full automatic fire, illegal and extremely hard to obtain. Every firearm capable of full auto rate of fire can only be legally owned by permit from the treasury dept., kind of difficult to get. Every one legaly in the Republic is registered and traced from day of manufacture to day of destruction. If this was really an assualt weapon AK47 (not a U.S. weapon by the way) it had to smuggled in and black market probably from somewhere in central or south America. The leftist regime down there recently obtained manufacturing rights from one of the manufacturers in former communist country. Glad no one got hurt in this case, but there is a lot of political agenda in the reporting.

                            #38.2 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 8:09 AM EDT
                            Reply

                            Well folks, if he really knew how to use an AK then the first cop would be dead. Any others also and their cars shot up. Also, a turn signal offense? Give me a break. Don't cops have something better to do? I read this story with reservations (no pun intended) because we really do not know what happened other than the cops shot at him and he returned fire. Sounds like self defense to me.

                              Reply#39 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 1:35 AM EDT

                              why do you need self defense over failure to use a turn signal .

                                #39.1 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 1:41 AM EDT
                                Reply

                                he has the right to own weapons , belong to a militia but wont follow the rules of the road . Another anti government looser .

                                  Reply#40 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 1:39 AM EDT
                                  Comment author avatarAlex Spadelvia Facebook

                                  ever heard of a left wing militia? nah, didn't think so.

                                  • 1 vote
                                  Reply#41 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 1:43 AM EDT

                                  Alex Spadel,

                                  Yep, the left wing militia uses the government and like minded individuals to do their dirty work ... like Obama and Eric Holder selling guns to the Mexican drug cartels. Just cause the government does it does not make it right or legal. Just saying.

                                  • 1 vote
                                  #41.1 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 2:42 AM EDT

                                  @Alex= Eric Holder and Fast and Furious really needs to be explored by a unpoliticized group of individuals. A solution to this needs to happen. For every ones well being.

                                    #41.2 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 1:52 PM EDT
                                    Reply

                                    Would someone explain why every gun and knife are not "assault weapons"? If you want to hurt or kill someone you can do it just as fast with a single shot, or a repeater. The journalists they have coming out of college now must be making Walter Cronkite spin in his grave. Morons.

                                      Reply#42 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 2:41 AM EDT

                                      Wait...there's a NEW Mexico?!

                                        Reply#43 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 2:54 AM EDT

                                        ...before we judge, we need more facts...do you people believe everything the government and law enforcement tell you??? huh?? what about fast n furious...what about...should i go on...yes, it's possible that the guy was dangerous and extreme...MAYBE...WE DON'T KNOW...we only go buy THEIR STORY....you people are so quick to judge...am i defending him...NO...i want more facts before i judge and condemn. the FACT is there are MANY (the majority) law abiding gun owners who are responsible. i don't own a gun...yet. i will soon, so should you.

                                          Reply#44 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 3:33 AM EDT

                                          The name on the T shirt was T'Bagger's R US. LMAO! Another one bites the dust.

                                          • 1 vote
                                          Reply#45 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 5:22 AM EDT

                                          Populist Movement or "peoples movement" ... whats the difference? One difference that I can see from the article is this disturbed citizen did not rob banks, murder innocent people or use te bombs he is said to have had.

                                            #45.1 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 7:09 AM EDT
                                            Reply

                                            Nothing of any particular interest here, just another nut with a gun, who took his one man rebellion to the next level.

                                              Reply#46 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 6:53 AM EDT

                                              I'm sure he was a member of a militia somewhere since Scalia and his second vote (aka Thomas) think all Americans belong to a militia to fullfil the 2nd AMendment requirements

                                                Reply#47 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 7:00 AM EDT

                                                a

                                                  Reply#48 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 7:03 AM EDT

                                                  someone asked if anyone knew of a left winged militia. yep; it's called the Obama administration.

                                                    Reply#49 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 7:14 AM EDT

                                                    Left wing militias are self named "peoples armies" etc. They pretty much were eliminated by the 80's.

                                                      #49.1 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 7:29 AM EDT
                                                      Reply

                                                      This is a good story for a lesson in civil war. The "rebels" in Syria are being given aid by our government and the U.N. to over throw the established recognized government.

                                                      The rebels contend that they are suffering under the current government. That the government is corrupt and needs to be taken down.

                                                      That is exactly what the anti-American-government are saying. So why is the U.N. not outraged that the rebels in this country are not be helped by other U.N. nations to put down the current government.

                                                      What is the difference between the rebels there or here. NOTHING. They both want a civil war to bring down the current government. They both are fighting as "rebels" to overthrow what they consider an oppressive government.

                                                      Something to think about. These "nuts" as we call them today, just might be the "rebels" of tomorrow in this country, and are just as determined to overthrow the U.S. established government as the "Rebels" are in Syria. Something to think about!

                                                        Reply#50 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 7:35 AM EDT

                                                        You need to discern blood lust from Patriotism.

                                                        Patriotism is logical common sense if you wish a favorable future for the Country and most importantly its citizens. Patriots respect the sentiment of law. Patriots stand with the Government as long as they obey The US Constitution and the Bill of Rights. If those documents are disobeyed we have no country.

                                                          #50.1 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 2:04 PM EDT
                                                          Reply

                                                          I can't imagine another country I would want to live in. I was born and raised here, it's all I know, my home. I've visited other countries and they are beautiful and unique. And, I wouldn't want to go to my grave as a victim of some lone, violent person's crazy, impulsive acts, bent on revenge for something so trivial. MAYBE some of us really like it here!! Maybe we don't have or know anyone who has had problems with the goverment, or any other law enforcement agency, and even if we did, there's a criminal in every family, trust me. Move away if you don't like it here, that's for anyone who has a problem with living here.

                                                            Reply#51 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 7:46 AM EDT

                                                            I can't help but think of that nutcase that blew up the building in Oklahoma City killing all those innocent folks, and all those little babies....who in their right mind would support the actions of these lunatics is beyond me.

                                                            • 3 votes
                                                            Reply#52 - Thu Jul 19, 2012 7:52 AM EDT
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