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Man released after pleading guilty in 2024 overnight standoff
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RIO RANCHO — A man who fired hundreds of rounds in Rio Rancho almost a year ago has pleaded guilty and was released from prison.
Eric Brusstar, 56, was arrested after an overnight SWAT standoff Dec. 17-18, 2024, for five counts of aggravated assault upon a peace officer, tampering with evidence, resisting arrest and negligent use of a deadly weapon near NM 528 and Sabana Grande Avenue.
A Nov. 20 plea and disposition agreement states Brusstar pleaded guilty to three of the aggravated assault charges against him. As of Nov. 19, Brusstar was released from the Sandoval County Detention Center.
In 2024, police stated they heard gunfire aimed in their direction when they got to the scene.
Police were able isolate the location, near the 4100 block of Las Casas Court, and New Mexico State Police and Albuquerque Police air support assisted RRPD in locating Brusstar, who then began shooting at the APD helicopter, according to previous coverage. However, no injuries were reported.
According to the plea document, the terms of the sentencing agreement, should the judge agree, are that Brusstar is to be released from prison and put on five years of supervised probation. Additionally, Brusstar will have to participate in and complete a 90-day rehabilitation program. When he is released, he will receive a mental health screening and comply with any recommendations, the document states.
Brusstar has also agreed to pay restitution.
If he violates the terms of the agreement, such as possessing guns or being charged with more crimes, he will be detained again.
Sentencing for Brusstar has not been scheduled yet.
