Attorney for Farmington Police Officers Respond to Lawsuit Threat

Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 9:30 AM

Attorney Luis Robles recounts that after the officers knocked on the Dotson's front door three times and announced their presence, they "waited calmly for someone to answer the door, but the longer they waited, the more concerned they became. Before taking further action, Officer Wasson contacted dispatch to verify the address of the calling party. Then, Officer Wasson heard the distinctive sound of someone inside the house rack a firearm. Fearing that this person was preparing to shoot at them, all three officers quickly backed away from the porch.

Friday, April 21, 2023

An attorney representing the three Farmington Police Officers who were involved in the shooting death of Robert "Robbie" Dotson at his home on April 5, 2023, responded to allegations made Thursday by Dotson family attorney Shon Northam.

For the first time, the officers involved in the incident have been identified: Waylon Wasson, Daniel Estrada, and Dylan Goodluck.

Dotson was shot and killed after officers went to the wrong address while responding to a domestic violence call.

In a statement, Attorney Luis Robles, of the Albuquerque law firm Robles, Rael & Anaya calls the shooting "tragic for the Dotson family, but also for the officers." and "Mr. Dotson’s death was a tragedy, and our hearts go out to his family and loved ones."

Robles recounts that after the officers knocked on the Dotson's front door three times and announced their presence, they "waited calmly for someone to answer the door, but the longer they waited, the more concerned they became. Before taking further action, Officer Wasson contacted dispatch to verify the address of the calling party.
Then, Officer Wasson heard the distinctive sound of someone inside the house rack a firearm. Fearing that this person was preparing to shoot at them, all three officers quickly backed away from the porch. As they did so, Mr. Dotson abruptly swung the door open with a gun in his hand. The officers drew their service weapons and commanded Mr. Dotson to put his hands up. Mr. Dotson ignored their commands
and pointed his gun directly at Officer Wasson."

Police say Dotson's wife Kim then came to the door and opened fire at officers, who returned fire. No further injuries were reported. Robert "Robbie" Dotson died at the scene. The shooting is currently being investigated by the New Mexico State Police.

In the statement, Attorney Robles accuses the Dotsons of committing aggravated assault upon a peace officer with a deadly weapon. The Dotsons did not have a right to threaten and shoot at the officers who had done nothing more than knock on the front door and announce their presence. At no time did the officers present a threat to the Dotsons." Robles stated.

The complete statement from the attorney's representing the FPD officers is below followed by the response from the Dotson family attorneys:

The attorneys for the Dotson family released this reply:

More from Local News

San Juan College Luminaria Display: Sat. Dec. 7, 2024

Sounds of the season will ring campus-wide as San Juan College’s listener-supported radio station, KSJE 90.9 FM, broadcasts your favorite Christmas carols. The KSJE Facebook page will also provide live video coverage of the event several times throughout the evening.
2024 Election: San Juan County Contested Races

These are the unofficial election results from voting on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 of the contested races in San Juan County, NM.
Local Freight Rail to receive up to $4 Million more for project

The (Four Corners Freight Rail) project aligns with the selection criteria by enhancing resilience and improving system and service performance, as the project will provide a viable freight transportation modal alternative to highway trucking, opportunities to simplify the supply chain, and enable new, rail-dependent economic development opportunities thereby imparting benefits to the Navajo Nation and surrounding communities.
Teen Boy Fatally Stabbed, Mother Beaten, Juvenile Suspect Arrested

The victim is a 12-year old boy who died of apparent stab wounds. A second victim, believed to be the suspect’s mother, sustained injuries from a blunt object attack and is being treated at CommonSpirit Mercy Hospital in Durango. The names of the victims are being withheld as the investigation is ongoing. The incident was reported by a motorist who was involved in a single vehicle accident shortly after 7 a.m., believed to have been caused by the suspect as he fled the residence on Snowy Peaks Way. Deputies discovered the scene when they arrived to investigate the accident.
Woman & Bystander Fatally Shot in Farmington

Andrew Wittenberg has been charged with aggravated burglary, larceny of a firearm, two counts of first-degree murder, and tampering with evidence. The investigation is still ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
Sheriff's Office Makes Arrests in Bloomfield Double Homicide

On August 29, 2024, Detectives and USMS investigative efforts tracked the suspects to a mobile home in the Waterflow area west of Kirtland New Mexico. San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, Farmington Police Department, United States Marshals Service and the New Mexico State Police arrived at the location and began to call out Isaiah Brown and Ravyn Burns.