Man Injured Friday in Officer-Involved Shooting in Aztec

Monday, September 25, 2023 at 9:52 AM

The suspect, 43-year-old Abel Soto, was immediately transported and treated at UNM Hospital. No officers or uninvolved citizens were injured. Per San Juan County Sheriff’s Office policy, the deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave. Conclusions about whether the actions of the deputies are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all the facts are known and the investigation is complete.

From the San Juan County Sheriffs Office

Saturday, September 23, 2023

The San Juan County Regional Officer Involved Shooting Task Force is investigating an officer involved shooting involving the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.

On September 22, 2023, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office detectives and deputies arrived at a residence in the area of 1234 NE Aztec Blvd in Aztec, NM to conduct a search warrant for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. At approximately 2pm, they attempted to call the suspect out of the residence. After an hour of call outs, the suspect exited the residence at approximately 3pm brandishing a knife. Deputies shot the suspect with multiple rounds of less than lethal bean bags but he refused to drop the weapon, at which time two deputies fired at least one round from their firearms, striking the suspect.

The suspect, 43-year-old Abel Soto, was immediately transported and treated at UNM Hospital. He has been released from the hospital and booked into Albuquerque Metro jail on two felony warrants. He had a felony warrant out of Colorado and for this incident he was charged with Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer.

No officers or uninvolved citizens were injured. Per San Juan County Sheriff’s Office policy, the deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave. Conclusions about whether the actions of the deputies are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all the facts are known and the investigation is complete.

The incident remains under investigation, and further information will be provided as it becomes available. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Farmington Police Department, the primary investigating agency, at 505-599-1068.

More from Local News

Sheriff's Office Investigates Fatal Shooting

Upon arrival, deputies made contact with multiple individuals including juveniles and young adults and located a deceased individual identified as Samuell Tariq Liggins, age 20.
Suspect Arrested in Farmington Murder Case

Following an extensive investigation by Farmington Police Department detectives, an arrest warrant was issued for 40-year-old Matthew Sandoval, who is known to have a family connection to Madrid, who has been charged with 1st Degree Murder and Tampering with Evidence. On March 28, Sandoval was located by U.S. Marshals in the 400 block of W. Animas. Farmington Police officers responded and arrested Sandoval on the outstanding warrant.
Farmington Temple Opens this Summer

Invited guests will tour the temple, the afternoon of July 14, and all day on July 15 and 16, 2025. A public open house will run from July 17 to August 2, 2025, excluding Sundays.
Police: Farmington Child Abuse Suspect Killed in Home

Video

Officers canvassed the area for the suspect; however, investigators believe the individual left the area prior to police arrival. The Farmington Police Department is releasing a video of a person of interest. The video shows a male on a bicycle headed east on Navajo Street towards Lincoln Avenue. The Farmington Police Department urges anyone with information or video surveillance from the area to contact detectives at 505-599-1068.
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.