More Details Released about Officer Involved Shooting

The suspect, later identified as Shawn Thomas, did succumb to his injuries on location. Thomas is a known habitual offender and had previously served time in prison as well as multiple sentences in jail.

From the San Juan County Sheriff's Office

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

On July 11, 2021, police responded to an armed subject that resulted in a pursuit and an officer involved shooting. The suspect, 36-year-old Shawn Thomas, succumbed to his injuries on scene.

The incident started in Shiprock, NM at approximately 1:25 p.m. The Navajo Police Department was notified of a subject brandishing a firearm at the Speedway Gas Station at US Hwy 64 and Hwy 491. While enroute, officers were notified the suspect left the scene in a blue Toyota Corolla. Navajo PD officers pursued the vehicle east on US Highway 64, at which time, the suspect traveled off the Navajo Nation where San Juan County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies intercepted the vehicle. After deputies successfully deployed stop sticks and deflated two tires, the vehicle veered into oncoming traffic, attempted to turn around, but eventually was stopped between the 33- and 34-mile markers. As SJCSO deputies approached the vehicle, actions were made by the suspect which resulted in shots being fired by a deputy. The vehicle began to roll where it eventually crashed into a tree and caught fire. Deputies extracted the suspect from the vehicle to render medical aid while EMS and SJC Fire & Rescue were enroute.

The suspect, later identified as Shawn Thomas, did succumb to his injuries on location. Thomas is a known habitual offender and had previously served time in prison as well as multiple sentences in jail.

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

“All critical incidents where a deputy is involved are thoroughly investigated and meticulously scrutinized for law and policy compliance. We thank the community for their patience as our San Juan County Regional Officer Involved Shooting Task Force investigates the incident, as well as the chain of events that led up to the incident.” – Sheriff R. Shane Ferrari

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.

On KSJE Now:

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 52°F | Low: 32°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 45°F | Low: 27°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 54°F | Low: 32°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 52°F | Low: 28°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 48°F | Low: 28°F