Farmington, NM – On January 29 at approximately 3:00 p.m. a Farmington police officer was flagged down near Apache Elementary School in reference to a driver who appeared to be impaired.The officer observed the vehicle pull into the school parking lot and went over to make contact with the driver. The suspect, who was later identified as 22-year-old Colin Paul of Window Rock, Arizona, became aggressive with the officer, grabbing his duty belt in an attempt to pull him to the ground. Paul gouged at the officer’s eyes, causing one of his contacts to fall out. He violently grabbed the officer’s ear and then latched onto the officer and refused to let go. At this time, two school employees came to assist the officer. Paul continued to struggle but was successfully taken into custody. Additional officers arrived on scene and were escorting Paul to the police vehicle when he again became aggressive toward officers, kicking them and damaging one of their vehicles. Paul was arrested and charged with aggravated battery on a peace officer, DWI and other related charges.

The Farmington Police Department would like to thank the two individuals who assisted our officer. Both these men displayed courage and did not hesitate to help during a situation where they themselves, could have been injured. We would also like to thank the individuals who were vigilant in identifying the impaired driver and took the initiative of alerting law enforcement. It is citizens such as them, who go that extra mile, to help keep our community safe.