Moments after notifying FPD dispatch of the investigative traffic stop, the officer called out "shots fired" over the radio. Other FPD officers arrived on scene to find the male driver, identified as Frankie L. Anchondo (35) of Aztec deceased. Both the officer and the female victim did not sustain any injuries during the incident. FPD secured the scene and requested New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau to investigate the incident.
From New Mexico State Police:
On Wednesday, December 20, 2017, The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested by the Farmington Police Department (FPD) to investigate an Officer Involved Shooting (OIS).
When NMSP Agents arrived they learned that around 6:00 p.m. an officer with FPD was on patrol in the area of U.S. 64 when he observed a black pickup pass him. The officer saw a female hanging out of the passenger side window screaming for help. The officer alerted FPD dispatch and then initiated an investigative traffic stop on the vehicle.
Moments after notifying FPD dispatch of the investigative traffic stop, the officer called out "shots fired" over the radio. Other FPD officers arrived on scene to find the male driver, identified as Frankie L. Anchondo (35) of Aztec deceased. Both the officer and the female victim did not sustain any injuries during the incident. FPD secured the scene and requested New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau to investigate the incident.
The details leading up to the officer discharging their weapon as well as the officers information will be released after all interviews have been conducted and evidence at the scene has be processed. This is an ongoing investigation with no additional information available at this time. When more information becomes available it will be released by the New Mexico State Police.
As three individuals tried to leave a party, a male subject began shooting, unintentionally striking the vehicle and, subsequently, a passenger inside the vehicle. The passenger was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center and later transported to UNM in Albuquerque, where she is awake and in stable condition.
Using multiple means of evidence, the driver was identified as Alvin Paul who was driving a 2003 white Chevrolet when he veered off the road, hitting Shirley. Paul did not stop or report the crash and surveillance footage from a nearby business proved Paul as the driver. He later admitted to operating the vehicle carelessly.
At the time of the crash, Paul’s driver’s license was revoked from a prior DWI arrests. He has two prior DWI convictions and is currently on probation for the second DWI.
Preliminary investigation indicates the individuals involved were known to one another, and this incident does not appear to be a random act of violence.
No weapons were located on the suspect and he was arrested and charged with assault upon a school employee, unlawful shooting threats, disorderly conduct, and interference with members of staff or the general public.
In addition, the study finds that reducing truck traffic on major highways is a major benefit to rail, with reduced motor vehicle crashes and reduced wear and tear to roadways.
The next phase of this project is already funded by a $4 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grant and $1 million match from the New Mexico Match Fund.