Attorney for Farmington Police Officers Respond to Lawsuit Threat

Attorney Luis Robles recounts that after the officers knocked on the Dotson's front door three times and announced their presence, they "waited calmly for someone to answer the door, but the longer they waited, the more concerned they became. Before taking further action, Officer Wasson contacted dispatch to verify the address of the calling party. Then, Officer Wasson heard the distinctive sound of someone inside the house rack a firearm. Fearing that this person was preparing to shoot at them, all three officers quickly backed away from the porch. 

Friday, April 21, 2023

An attorney representing the three Farmington Police Officers who were involved in the shooting death of Robert "Robbie" Dotson at his home on April 5, 2023, responded to allegations made Thursday by Dotson family attorney Shon Northam. 

For the first time, the officers involved in the incident have been identified: Waylon Wasson, Daniel Estrada, and Dylan Goodluck.

Dotson was shot and killed after officers went to the wrong address while responding to a domestic violence call.  

In a statement, Attorney Luis Robles, of the Albuquerque law firm Robles, Rael & Anaya calls the shooting "tragic for the Dotson family, but also for the officers." and "Mr. Dotson’s death was a tragedy, and our hearts go out to his family and loved ones."

Robles recounts that after the officers knocked on the Dotson's front door three times and announced their presence, they "waited calmly for someone to answer the door, but the longer they waited, the more concerned they became. Before taking further action, Officer Wasson contacted dispatch to verify the address of the calling party.
Then, Officer Wasson heard the distinctive sound of someone inside the house rack a firearm. Fearing that this person was preparing to shoot at them, all three officers quickly backed away from the porch. As they did so, Mr. Dotson abruptly swung the door open with a gun in his hand. The officers drew their service weapons and commanded Mr. Dotson to put his hands up. Mr. Dotson ignored their commands
and pointed his gun directly at Officer Wasson."

Police say Dotson's wife Kim then came to the door and opened fire at officers, who returned fire.  No further injuries were reported.  Robert "Robbie" Dotson died at the scene. The shooting is currently being investigated by the New Mexico State Police.

In the statement, Attorney Robles accuses the Dotsons of committing aggravated assault upon a peace officer with a deadly weapon. The Dotsons did not have a right to threaten and shoot at the officers who had done nothing more than knock on the front door and announce their presence. At no time did the officers present a threat to the Dotsons." Robles stated.

The complete statement from the attorney's representing the FPD officers is below followed by the response from the Dotson family attorneys:

The attorneys for the Dotson family released this reply: