San Juan County Sheriff Investigates Officer-Involved Shooting Near Hines Road

A Farmington Police Department officer shot and killed a suspect near Hines Road on the morning of March 10 after a 911 caller reported an armed subject in the area. The San Juan County Sheriff's Office confirmed the shooting occurred around 10:00 a.m. and that the suspect was declared deceased at the scene. No officers or bystanders were injured.

The San Juan County Regional Officer Involved Shooting Task Force is conducting the multi-agency investigation, with the Sheriff's Office leading the probe. The identity of the suspect has not been released, and the name of the Farmington officer involved has not been disclosed. SJCSO stated that "more information may not be available until that investigation is complete."

Sheriff Shane Ferrari addressed the circumstances facing officers in the field. "Law enforcement officers have to make split second decisions daily in situations that most people will never have to face," Ferrari said. "This officer deserves a fair investigation and that is exactly what we plan to do."

The Sheriff's Office also confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The announcement drew swift reaction on social media. Farmington resident Matt Graves questioned whether the task force structure creates a conflict of interest, writing that State Police or another outside agency should be investigating and suggesting SJCSO would find the shooting justified. The composition of the San Juan County Regional Officer Involved Shooting Task Force, including whether it includes State Police or independent outside agencies, has not been specified in official communications.

Key details about the incident remain undisclosed, including whether the officer was equipped with body-worn camera footage, how many shots were fired, and the specific circumstances that led to the shooting. The medical examiner's findings on cause of death have not been released. The Sheriff's Office has not indicated a timeline for when additional information will be made public beyond the investigation's conclusion.