Farmington Man Suspected of Arson

Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at 1:44 PM

Ray Montano (Courtesy: Farmington Police Department)

Farmington detectives identified Montano as the suspect through video surveillance and body camera footage from officers who saw the suspect riding a bicycle away from the scene of two of the fires. Officers located Montano on July 8 and detained him for questioning. He was subsequently arrested on a warrant for three counts of arson at 709 Orchard Homes Dr., 301 Airport Dr. and 621 W. Animas St. No one was injured in the fires.

From Farmington Police:

July 10, 2019

Farmington police arrested Ray Montano, 49 of Farmington, on Monday in connection with a string of fires that investigators determined to be intentionally set. Six structure fires took place between June 22 and July 7 in various abandoned buildings in Farmington. The San Juan County Fire Investigation Task Force, comprised of representatives from FPD, Farmington Fire Department, San Juan County Fire Department and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the incidents and found them to be arson.

The three other fires remain under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Farmington Police Department Detective Tip Hotline at 505-599-1068. Anonymous tips may be submitted to San Juan County Crime Stoppers at 505-334-TIPS.

More from Local News

College Opens new Student Health Center

The $2.2 million Student Health Center spans 2,652 square feet and is designed to provide accessible healthcare services on campus. The center features two exam rooms, three offices for medical and behavioral health professionals, restrooms, storage areas, and additional support spaces.
Farmington Couple Accused of Severe Child Abuse

Reports indicated the child had been locked in a chicken coop for extended periods and exposed to extreme weather conditions. Detectives immediately responded, removed the child from the home, and gathered evidence corroborating the allegations.
Feds Indict Shiprock Father & Son for Illegal Marijuana Farms in NM

The charges include conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana, manufacture of 1,000 kilograms and more of marijuana and 1,000 and more marijuana plants, possession with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms and more of marijuana and 1,000 and more marijuana plants, maintaining drug-involved premises, and two counts of knowingly discharging pollutants into waters of the United States without a permit.
Passenger Air Service Returns to Farmington

“We’re excited to bring this new United Express service to the four corners area,” said Cody Thomas, Managing Director of Market Development at SkyWest Airlines. "Little is more important to a community than quality air service. With just one flight from FMN, passengers can easily connect to hundreds of destinations worldwide on United’s global network through Denver.”
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.