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Over the last three months, Farmington Police Department detectives, in conjunction with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office, investigated and apprehended the three individuals. FPD detectives executed approximately 45 search warrants on residences, electronic devices, and cloud-based storage. It's unlawful for anyone to possess photos or videos depicting minors in a sexual nature.

19-year-old Farmington resident Diondre Badonie was detained as he tried to leave the area on foot while the officers searched the neighborhood. 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.

Just after midnight on January 14, a tip came into the Phoenix Police Department that Elias Buck and Victoria “Rossi” Hernandez were at a Quiktrip Convenience Store located at 8004 N. 27th Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona. Officers responded and located Buck, who attempted to flee, but was quickly detained. No officers were injured during his apprehension. Hernandez was released pending the ongoing investigation.

The U.S. Marshals Service is now offering up to $10,000 for reliable information leading to the arrest of Elias Buck, and the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office is offering $5,000. To submit a tip, call 505-599-1068.

Law enforcement agencies are searching for 22-year-old Elias Buck after shooting a Farmington police officer late Friday night. 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 submit a tip at 505-599-1068 or call 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. The officer was immediately transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center, where he is currently in stable condition. This incident remains under investigation, and further information will be provided as it becomes available.

Vangie Randall-Shorty, the victim's mother, also asked the public to reach out to the FBI. “I will continue to be his voice, I will continue to get the justice that he deserves," she said.

Several zip codes in San Juan County are driving the rate of spread – the highest in the state – due to their significantly low vaccine rates. These include: 87401, 87402, (Farmington), 87410 (Aztec) and 87413 (Bloomfield). This directly converts to a high COVID census in the hospital.

The Farmington New Mexico Temple will be the state’s second temple. The first temple, the Albuquerque New Mexico Temple, was dedicated March 5, 2000.

There were 484 new COVID 19 cases and two additional deaths in San Juan County reported on Thursday by the Department of Health

The total number of deaths is now 1,612. The report indicates that 44,700 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. 469,529 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The overall total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 48,977, including 38 delayed reported cases.