Suspect Hospitalized, Officers on Leave after Downtown Shooting

Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 8:49 PM

Farmington Police have placed the four officers involved on leave, which is normal for cases such as this. The San Juan County Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation into the shooting. The suspect's name has not yet been released.

May 11, 2021

From Farmington Police;

Numerous 911 calls were made yesterday regarding a male shooting a gun in downtown Farmington. The calls came in around 2:23 p.m. from witnesses in the area who heard shots and saw two men walking, one had a gun. Officers followed leads as they were being reported and found spent bullet casings and an empty ammunition box where the suspects were reported to have been seen. Officers also viewed security camera footage at a business and saw two men who matched the descriptions reported and were able to get screenshots showing identifiers. A shelter in place was issued for public safety. Another 911 call came in around 4:15 p.m. reporting shots heard in the area of the 100 block of W. Animas St. The officers made contact with the subjects, one male pointed a gun at and walked towards one of the officers, and four officers fired. Officers immediately rendered aid to the man and called for paramedics. He was transported to the San Juan Regional Medical Center and eventually to Albuquerque, where he is currently being treated. There were no other injuries at the scene. The four officers are on administrative leave, which is the routine procedure of the Farmington Police Department.

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 San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, the primary investigating agency, at 505-334-6107.

The Farmington Police Department would like to thank the public for their vigilance and swift reporting. We’d also like to thank the businesses that were quick to provide video as we worked to locate the suspects and keep our community safe.

Statement from FPD Chief Hebbe:

More from Local News

Woman's Husband Arrested for Kirtland Killing

Through the course of the investigation, detectives discovered that Lauren Patterson’s husband, Jess Patterson, had previously resided in California and had been arrested at least 6 times for domestic violence in that state and had been arrested in July 2026 in New Mexico for battering Ms. Patterson. An autopsy revealed Ms. Patterson suffered multiple broken bones, bruising, and internal injuries.
Farmington to host Public Meeting on Data Centers

The meeting will be held from 6=8 p.m. on Wednesday, October, 21, 2026. Participants are encouraged to submit questions ahead of time via an online submission form at farmingtonnm.gov/data-center. City staff will organize these inputs to ensure the most frequently asked questions are directly addressed during the main presentation.
APS Extends Life of Four Corners Power Plant

Arizona Public Service (APS) has announced it's decision to extend the operation of the Four Corners Power Plant (FCPP) beyond 2031. Navajo Transitional Energy Company's Navajo Mine provides the necessary coal for the operation of the plant and is positioned to meet the needs of FCPP well into the future.
Three Die in Newcomb area Flood

Two adults and a juvenile were found to have drowned and were pronounced deceased. The incident remains under investigation.
Assault Suspect Fatally Shot in Kirtland

Deputies made multiple commands to stop and drop the knife, however, the suspect ignored the commands and continued moving towards the deputies with the knife. A deputy discharged his sidearm, striking the suspect. Immediate life-saving aid was rendered to the suspect, but he ultimately died at the scene. The Farmington Police Department is leading the investigation.
Former Dallas Cowboy Shiyazh Pete visits Alma Mater: Shiprock High School

Shiyazh Pete went on from Shiprock High to play college football at New Mexico State University and the University of Kentucky before signing and training with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. He returned to Shiprock High School to share what he learned along the way and to encourage Chieftain students and athletes as they begin a new season.