Farmington police investigate shooting

Farmington, N.M. – Farmington detectives are investigating a shooting over the weekend near the 1200 block of Randolph Avenue. 

Around 11:16 am, officers responded to reports of a shooting involving three men. Officers arrived on scene to find one man, later identified as 20-year-old Zachary Reid, with a gunshot wound. Paramedics transported Mr. Reid to San Juan Regional Medical Center, where he died from his injuries. Officers contacted one of the reporting parties, later identified as 26-year-old Darien Hoffman, and the third man involved in the altercation, 56-year-old Ellsworth “Scott” Reid. While investigating, detectives found that Scott and Zach Reid approached Hoffman as he returned home in his vehicle, and the men began arguing. The argument turned physical, and Hoffman attempted to drive away, injuring Scott Reid in the process. Zach Reid then approached Hoffman’s car resulting in shots being fired. Scott was later transported to SJRMC by paramedics and treated for his injuries.

The investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released when available. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the FPD tip line at 505-599-1068.

Suspect in weekend shooting identified

Diondre Badonie

Farmington, N.M. – Farmington police identified 19-year-old Farmington resident Diondre Badonie as the man in a fatal shooting that took place early Saturday morning.

Around 12:58 am on January 22, Farmington police responded to a report of shots fired near North Butler Avenue and Orchard Homes Drive. As the officers came into the area, they heard a single gunshot. Badonie was detained as he tried to leave the area on foot while the officers searched the neighborhood. Officers located a deceased man with a single gunshot wound during their search. While detained, Badonie became combative with officers while being patted down and advised of his Miranda Rights. After investigation, Badonie was arrested for second-degree murder and two counts of battery on a peace officer.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released when they’re available. The victim is not being identified right now to allow for family notification. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to call the FPD Tip Line at 505-599-1068.

One man in custody following late-night shooting

Farmington Police Department patch

Farmington, N.M. – Farmington police have a man in custody following a shooting that resulted in the death of another man in the early morning hours.

Around 12:58 am on January 22, 2022, Farmington Police Department officers responded to a report of shots fired near N. Butler Ave. and Orchard Homes Dr. As the officers came into the area, they heard a single gunshot. A man leaving on foot was detained as the officers searched the neighborhood. Officers located a deceased man with a single gunshot wound during the search.  

The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released when they’re available. The names of the men involved in this case are not being released right now. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to call the Farmington Police Tip Line at 505-599-1068.

Farmington police searching for man who shot officer

22-year-old Elias William Buck

Farmington, N.M. – Farmington police are searching for 22-year-old Elias Buck after shooting a Farmington police officer late last night.

Around 10:18 pm on January 7, 2022, officers responded to a report of a possible drunk driver in the area of East Main Street and North Tucker Ave. One officer contacted a man, later identified as Buck, and a woman, later identified as 28-year-old Victoria “Rossi” Hernandez, walking in the area who matched the description of the occupants of the car. Buck produced a gun and fired multiple shots at the officer, hitting him. The officer returned fire and radioed for assistance.  The subjects ran away. The officer was immediately transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center, where he is currently in stable condition.

SWAT teams from FPD, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, and New Mexico State Police searched the areas of North Tucker Avenue, North Fairview Avenue, and connecting streets between East 20th Street and East Main Street, throughout the night. They were assisted by the SJCSO helicopter and NMSP drone operators. Buck wasn’t located, and FPD is now asking the public’s assistance in finding him. 

Buck is 6’1,” approximately 185 pounds, with green eyes and blonde hair. He is dangerous and known to be armed. We ask anyone with information about Buck’s whereabouts to immediately contact their local police department or dial 911. 

The officer involved in the shooting was Joseph Barreto. Officer Barreto is 25 years old and has been with the Farmington Police Department since 2018. 

This incident remains under investigation, and further information will be provided as it becomes available.

Farmington police release footage from officer-involved shooting

FPD Patch

Farmington, N.M. – Today the Farmington Police Department released video from the officer-involved shooting that took place on October 10 at an address on Rio Vista Ct. Police Chief Steve Hebbe released the following statement about the incident, “This was an active and dynamic situation to which our officers responded. We recognize the impact an incident like this has on the community, the friends and family of all the involved parties, on the officers and their families, and the department. Although the Sheriff’s Office investigation remains active, based on the facts we know now, the officer’s actions were necessary to protect his life and the life of others.”

 

On October 10 at approximately 6:12 p.m., dispatch received a call about a man, later identified as 58-year old Norbert Beyet, threatening people with a gun at a residence on Rio Vista Court. FPD officers responded and met at a location near the address to make a plan for a controlled response to attempt to de-escalate the situation. Officers requested medics to stand by and a phone number to try to call and negotiate with Beyet. As FPD officers were trying to call, the Sheriff’s Office helicopter, Air One, flew over the address and witnessed a man and woman in a physical altercation in the backyard with a gun. Recognizing that the situation had escalated, FPD officers approached the house immediately and made contact with Beyet, a woman and two other individuals in the backyard of the home. They began giving clear instructions to the four people. Beyet was armed with a handgun and was not complying with officers’ instructions. The officers approached Beyet, and he pointed the gun towards them. Farmington Officer Jasper Domenici fired a single shot, and Beyet fell to the ground.

 

Officer Jasper Domenici joined FPD in December 2014 as a lateral from Dona Ana County. He is an eight-year law enforcement veteran.

 

No further information will be released on this incident until the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office has completed their investigation and the District Attorney’s Office has finalized their review.

Man involved in shooting identified

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Farmington, N.M. – Farmington police have identified the man involved in the incident that took place in northeast Farmington last night as Norbert Beyet, 58 of Farmington. At 6:12 p.m. dispatch received a call of a domestic fight at a residence in the 2800 block of Rio Vista Ct. The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, Air One, and Farmington Police officers responded to the incident, that ultimately resulted in shots being fired. Beyet was pronounced deceased at the scene. A revolver type handgun was recovered from the scene and FPD detectives, SJCSO detectives, and New Mexico State Police personnel are working jointly to investigate the incident. No officers were injured. This is an active investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the SJCSO at 505-334-6107. Further details will be released as available.

Farmington police investigate shooting

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Farmington, N.M. – At 6:12 p.m. dispatch received a 911 call reporting a man threatening people with a gun in the 2800 block of Rio Vista Ct. Farmington Police officers and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office helicopter Air One responded to the area. Air One had visual of the situation and updated FPD officers as they arrived on scene. FPD officers reported being confronted with a weapon. When the weapon was pointed at the officers, one officer fired. No officers were injured in the incident. The male subject was pronounced dead at the scene. FPD detectives, SJCSO detectives, and New Mexico State Police personnel are working together to investigate the incident. This investigation is still active, further information will be provided as available. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office at 505-334-6107.

PRESS RELEASE: Farmington police investigating fatal shooting

Farmington, NM – Farmington police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred yesterday evening. Officers were dispatch around 6:48 p.m. to the 300 block of North Monterey Ave. in reference to a possible shooting. Officers arrived on scene and found local residents administering CPR to a gunshot victim, later identified as 31-year-old Nathaniel Tracy of Farmington. Tracy was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center by EMS and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Detectives, FPD Gang Unit investigators and crime scene investigators responded to the shooting and are currently working on the incident.  Anyone who may have information regarding this incident is asked to call dispatch at 334-6622 or the FPD Detective Tip Hotline at 599-1068.