Farmington police help relocate shelter animals saving over 30 lives

Farmington Police Department pets, Press Releases
A few of the puppies FPD officers transported.

FARMINGTON, N.M. – The Farmington Police Department helped save over 30 lives last week, but these weren’t human lives; they were animals. Sergeants Travis Spruell and Martin Olsen headed to Denver on Wednesday, Oct. 20, with 20 dogs/puppies and 11 cats/kittens from the Farmington Regional Animal Shelter. The shelter was at capacity and needed to transfer the animals to the Rocky Mountain Puppy Rescue in Denver, Colorado. Shelter director Stacie Voss explained, “We were completely full, and a transfer had been scheduled. However, due to an emergency, our volunteer wasn’t able to drive the animals to Denver as planned, and we couldn’t find another driver. That’s when we reached out to other City departments for help; FPD stepped right up.”

Chief Steve Hebbe said, “FPD employees care about our community, and we were pleased to help save over 30 animals. All of us can do something by adopting or by volunteering to help at the shelter. It’s a great cause, and these animals could use a friend.”

It’s common for shelters to relocate animals to other communities when they become overcrowded. The Farmington shelter has several partnering facilities in the region where they can take animals when they’re at capacity. The shelter relies on volunteers for transports. If the shelter becomes full and transferring animals isn’t an option, tough decisions have to be made. 

“I’ve always known it takes a village to care for all of these animals, but I can still be amazed at the size of that village sometimes! Thank you to FPD and sergeants Spruell and Olsen for safely getting these animals to the rescue,” said Voss.

Most of the dog kennels that were emptied from last week’s transfer have already been filled. The shelter is still limited on space for dogs. While adoptions have been steady, transfers have been limited due to a lack of volunteer drivers and full transfer partner facilities. Space for dogs at FRAS is tight, and animals are staying longer, creating a backlog.

Farmington Regional Animal Shelter wants to remind the community of the importance of spaying and neutering pets.  

Anyone who’d like to volunteer with FRAS or foster an animal can fill out an online application at fmtn.org/animalshelter.
Animals available for adoption can be found online at fmtn.org/animalshelter under adoptions or at petango.com. Adoption fee includes spay or neuter, first set of vaccines (excluding rabies), microchip and 30 days of free pet insurance by 24Petwatch.

Farmington police increase concentrated patrols in city parks

Farmington Police Department Community Updates, Press Releases
Officer Coombs (far left) and Officer Mason (far right) pose with local kids enjoying the Brookside Skate Park.

Farmington, N.M. – The Farmington Police Department has seen success with increased patrols of city parks. The increased patrols are part of larger concentrated operations implemented earlier this year to decrease crime in parks and surrounding areas. The operations are a coordinated effort by members of the SWAT Team, Impact Team, and Real Time Crime Center.

Earlier this year, FPD started concentrated operations at Brookside Park after seeing an uptick in calls for service to the area. Recognizing that families and teens typically frequent the park, FPD responded to the concerning new trend with a targeted operation of strategic traffic and foot patrols, conducted every Friday and Saturday from 7 pm until 11 pm for the entire month of August. The Brookside Park Operation resulted in 24 total arrests, including four DWIs, nine warrants, and seven liquor violations. Overall, these strategic efforts increased park safety for individuals and families.

Concentrated operations started at  Berg Park and along the riverwalk on October 8 and will continue in the coming weeks. The first operation resulted in 10 arrests, including four warrants and three liquor violations. Officers and the RTCC will continue to work together throughout the current operation to make this another successful patrol. FPD is dedicated to a safe community and encourages citizens to safely enjoy our city’s many outdoor amenities.

Students charged for making school threats

Farmington Police Department Press Releases

Farmington, N.M. – Farmington police are pursuing charges on two students planning an attack at Farmington High School, and a third is being investigated. A student reported the plan to a school administrator who then reported it to police.

At around 2:21 pm on September 24, a school resource officer responded to the assistant principal’s office for a report of a 15-year-old male student suspected of planning a school shooting. The student had a drawn map of the school and written plans for a shooting. Through investigation, the SRO identified another student, a 15-year-old female, who had contributed to the plan and possibly a third student, another 15-year-old male.

The map detailed a specific date the students wanted to carry out the plan and listed items they needed to gather. The investigating SRO spoke with the students’ guardians and confirmed they didn’t have access to any firearms in their homes. 

The officer worked with the Juvenile Probation Office to charge two of the students with conspiracy to commit aggravated battery. The incident remains under investigation.

Farmington Police Department Chief Steve Hebbe said this about the incident, “FPD’s cooperative relationship with Farmington Municipal Schools proved essential in this situation. We’re grateful to the student who reported this early so that school staff and our officers could intervene. This is a perfect example of how we work as a community to keep our kids safe in Farmington.” 

“The safety of our students and staff is our most important priority. Farmington Municipal Schools takes these incidents seriously and collaborates with our law enforcement partners to keep the community safe. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of how we look out for one another and how when we see something, we say something,” said Dr. Eugene Schmidt, Superintendent of Farmington Municipal Schools.

FPD and FMS encourage students and parents or guardians to report anything they feel is suspicious to school administrators or officers. Anyone who would like to submit an anonymous tip about safety concerns at a Farmington school can do so through the Say Something app or website at p3campus.com.

Farmington police arrest man after standoff

Farmington Police Department Press Releases
Aaron Carrasco

Farmington, N.M. – Farmington police have one man in custody after a standoff that began at 8:30 am today. Aaron Carrasco, 21, of Farmington, is charged with aggravated burglary, larceny of a firearm, and several other charges. 

At approximately 8:30 am on August 20, 2021, a man reported that someone he didn’t know was inside his residence in the 1300 block of Utton Ln. The subject inside the home matched Carrasco’s description, whom officers searched for the previous day. Through investigation, officers found that Carrasco was possibly armed with a firearm. Negotiators and the SWAT team responded to assist with the situation. Carrasco spoke with negotiators over the phone, exited the residence, and was taken into custody peacefully at around 11:29 am.

Carrasco is also the suspect in the larceny of a firearm the day before, August 19, 2021. At approximately 7:52 am, it was reported that he was in the area of 16th St and N Fairview Ave and had stolen a firearm. As officers attempted to contact Carrasco, he fled on foot with the gun visible. Officers and K9s searched the area until around 11:42 am but were unable to locate Carrasco. Carrasco had several outstanding warrants, including felon in possession of a firearm. 

Farmington Police Department would like to thank Farmington Municipal Schools for quickly placing the nearby Animas Elementary School in a preventative lockdown on both days. Thank you to the citizens of Farmington for understanding the traffic restrictions in the area during these incidents. Both of these incidents are still under investigation, and no further details will be released right now. Anyone with more information about either of these situations is asked to call our FPD Tip Line at 505-599-1068

Farmington police investigate fatal crash

Farmington Police Department Press Releases, Traffic Crashes

Farmington, N.M. – The Farmington Police Department’s traffic reconstruction team is investigating the cause of a fatal crash that occurred the morning of Monday, July 26, 2021.

At around 9:21 a.m., officers responded to a rollover crash near the intersection of Murray Dr and Broadway. The passenger car left the roadway near the right-turn lane from Broadway onto Murray Dr and traveled across a dirt area. The vehicle became airborne over Murray and then rolled through a business parking lot. The front-seat passenger, 65-year-old Roger Olguin Sr., was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the car, 39-year-old Desiree Olguin, was also ejected from the car. She was transported by paramedics to San Juan Regional Medical Center and eventually to UNMH in Albuquerque, where she is being treated. Speed is suspected to be a factor in the crash. FPD’s traffic reconstruction team is still determining the cause of the crash. 

The Farmington Police Department encourages all drivers in the area to slow down and take their time. We’ve seen a recent increase in serious traffic collisions. Please travel the roadways safely and be aware of posted speed limits.

Body found in Nevada confirmed to be missing New Mexico woman

Farmington Police Department Uncategorized
Suspect Jerry Jay

Farmington, N.M. – The body of missing New Mexico woman, Cecelia Finona, was identified in Clark County, Nevada. Farmington police detectives have been working closely with several law enforcement agencies, including Sparks Police Department and Las Vegas Metro Police Department, in their search for Cecelia since she went missing in late May of 2019. The primary person of interest in the case, Jerry Jay, is still in custody on charges in Nevada from June of 2019. The Farmington Police Department filed the charges of Murder in the 1st degree, Kidnapping 1st degree, and Tampering with Evidence against Jay on July 2, 2021.

Cecelia was last seen by family members on May 30, 2019, and was reported missing on June 1, 2019. Her boyfriend, 59-year-old Jerry Jay, was also missing from the residence, and evidence found at the home led Farmington detectives to be very concerned for the safety of Cecelia. Sparks PD arrested Jay on June 5, 2019, on charges of Possession of a Credit Card without Owner’s Consent and Fraudulent Use of a Credit or Debit Card. Remains were located in Clark County, Nevada, by a citizen in February of 2021; those remains were identified as Cecelia through DNA on June 30.

Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe issued the following statement regarding this case, “Today we have very mixed feelings. This marks the ending of two years of searching, and we’re deeply saddened at the outcome. We will continue working as we have since the day she disappeared to ensure the person responsible for this is held accountable. We offer our most heartfelt condolences to Cecelia’s family and friends.”

Cecelia was a US Army veteran. Family and friends describe her as a good-hearted person who cared about people and a leader in the community who made a difference. 

The Farmington Police Department would like to thank Sparks Police Department, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the Clark County Coroner’s Office, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Division, and the 11th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the case. FPD would also like to thank the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office for their help with multiple searches in the area.

Farmington police release footage from officer involved shooting

Farmington Police Department Press Releases

Farmington, N.M. – Today, the Farmington Police Department released video of the officer-involved shooting on May 10 near the intersection of West Animas Street and Orchard Avenue Chief Steve Hebbe released the following statement about the incident, “Our officers should be held to the highest standard and their actions critically reviewed. I know an event like this affects the community, the department, our officers, and the subject’s family and friends. The San Juan County Regional Officer-Involved Shooting Task Force investigation remains active. However based on the facts as we currently understand them, the officers’ actions were necessary.”

On May 10 at around 2:23 p.m., numerous 911 calls came in from witnesses in the downtown Farmington area who heard shots and saw two men, one who was armed with a handgun, walking nearby.  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. 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 of them later identified as 29-year-old Brian Benally. Benally pointed a gun at and walked towards one of the officers as they approached, and four officers fired. Officers immediately rendered aid to Benally 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 officers involved in the incident are Officer Miles Mead, who joined FPD in 2016, Officer Stephen Frazier, who joined FPD 2018, Officer Nathan McPherson, who joined FPD 2018, and Officer Zachary Goar, who joined FPD in 2020. All the officers began their law enforcement careers with the Farmington Police Department.

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

The video can be found on Farmington Police Department’s Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

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The San Juan County Regional Officer Involved Shooting Task Force is comprised of investigators from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State Police, and the Farmington, Aztec, and Bloomfield Police Departments. The task force works in a coordinated effort to thoroughly investigate officer involved shootings of San Juan County law enforcement agencies.

Farmington police shoot armed man

Farmington Police Department Press Releases

Farmington, N.M. – The San Juan County Regional Officer Involved Shooting Task Force is investigating a shooting of an armed man by Farmington officers.

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.  

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The San Juan County Regional Officer Involved Shooting Task Force is comprised of investigators from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State Police, and the Farmington, Aztec, and Bloomfield Police Departments. The task force works in a coordinated effort to thoroughly investigate officer involved shootings of San Juan County law enforcement agencies.

You can view Chief Hebbe’s video statement at https://youtu.be/VQRpHllgo_o

Farmington police recognize citizen for brave actions

Farmington Police Department Citizen Recognition, Press Releases
Farmington Police Department Chief Steve Hebbe awards Shannon Begay with the Outstanding Citizen Award on 4-13-21

Farmington, N.M. – Farmington police recognized Shannon Begay today with the Outstanding Citizen Award for her brave actions while helping a fellow citizen.

On March 21, 2021, around 5:36 a.m., Ms. Begay heard gunshots outside her apartment, followed by a man calling for help. She rushed outside and found a man with a gunshot wound to his arm. Ms. Begay immediately applied pressure to his injury and called 911 for assistance. She tended his wound and stayed with him until officers arrived. The man attempted to stop thieves from stealing his motorcycle parked in front of the apartment building while armed with a .22 caliber pistol. One of the subjects bear-hugged the man from behind, forcing the gun into his arm as the gun went off. The subjects left the scene immediately after the gun was fired. The man was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center, where he was treated. The case is still under investigation by Farmington detectives.

Ms. Begay says she was quick to jump into action after attending active shooter training with Farmington Police Department’s District Coordinator Unit through her employer. She credits the training she received from Officer Michele DeLese for helping her “mind go there, so her body could follow.” One of the officers who responded to the call had the opportunity to meet Ms. Begay later at a tabletop training and hear her story. Officer Zack Wood then nominated Ms. Begay for the Outstanding Citizen Award. FPD is honored to recognize Ms. Begay for her actions and bravery. 


Any businesses interested in the FPD DCU officers bringing the active shooter training to their employees can contact Officer Robert Decker via email at rdecker@fmtn.org to arrange COVID-19 safe classes. The DCU officers will begin training that is open to the public again at a later date, depending on COVID-19 precautions.

Farmington Police seeking information on multiple vandalism cases

Farmington Police Department Press Releases

Farmington, N.M. – Farmington police are seeking information on multiple property damage cases. Since March 1, 2020, Farmington Police Department has received numerous similar damage reports to parked vehicles and buildings.  

The damage appears to be caused by subjects shooting a bb gun or airsoft pellet gun from a vehicle. Detectives are canvassing areas where damages are reported for evidence and leads. The property damage is primarily occurring in the neighborhoods near Sunset Ave. but has happened in other areas as well. Farmington detectives ask residents who have a home or business security camera to check their footage for possible suspect information.

Citizens can file property damage reports by calling dispatch or through FPD’s online reporting system. A Detective Division sergeant reviews each online report and any attached photos and videos; it is then assigned to a detective accordingly. All information and tips can be called into the Farmington Police Tip Line at 505-599-1068.