Man arrested for beating man with rock behind US Bank

SANDOVAL COUNTY — A man was allegedly caught using a large rock to beat another man behind a US Bank location in the county.

Manuel Montano, 39, of Sandia Park, was arrested Sept. 17 for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

A criminal complaint states the incident happened at a US Bank but did not specify which one and did not specify which police department handled the matter.

Police responding to a fight in progress behind the US Bank recognized Montano from previous encounters. He was running from the scene but complied with officers’ commands and was arrested.

Officers also saw a man with blood on his shirt, face and head. The man alleged Montano struck him several times in the back of the head with a rock. He was taken to a hospital.

A witness also confirmed the victim’s accusations in a written statement, according to the complaint, saying the victim was struck three times in the head. Other witnesses said the same.

Montano could face up to three years in prison if he is convicted.