Farmington Man Arrested after Shots Fired

Taron Yazzie, 32, (Courtesy: Farmington Police Department)

Officers briefly spoke to the man, later identified as Taron Yazzie, before he retreated into the residence. To de-escalate the situation, officers backed away from the home.  A neighbor then reported a bullet hole through a side door and pantry door inside their home. Several additional neighbors began reporting that Yazzie was outside his house again firing a gun and yelling.

From Farmington Police:

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Farmington police arrested 32-year-old Taron Yazzie Sunday after neighbors reported he was firing a gun in his front yard. One of the rounds hit a neighbor’s house.

On February 7, 2021, around 1:35 p.m., officers responded to reports of a man shooting a gun in his yard at an address on Natane Ave. When officers arrived, no one was outside the house, so they attempted to contact the occupant through the intercom system in their patrol car. While officers were making announcements, the man came outside onto the front porch. Officers briefly spoke to the man, later identified as Yazzie, before he retreated into the residence. To de-escalate the situation, officers backed away from the home.  A neighbor then reported a bullet hole through a side door and pantry door inside their home. Several additional neighbors began reporting that Yazzie was outside his house again firing a gun and yelling. As the SWAT and negotiations teams responded, officers established a perimeter and directed people in homes nearby to shelter in place.  After some negotiations, Yazzie was taken into custody without incident. Yazzie was charged with one count of shooting at an inhabited dwelling or occupied building (no injury), negligent use of a deadly weapon (discharging firearm near an inhabited building), and criminal damage to property (less than $1,000). 

Chief Hebbe released the following statement about the incident, “This was a good example of our officers working hard to de-escalate a critical situation. Time and distance matter in these situations. We’re very pleased this was resolved peacefully, and I’m very proud of the officers on scene.” 

Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to call the Farmington PD tip line at 505-599-1068.

More from Local News

  • Farmington Hires New Museum Director

     “Nathan’s expertise in the museum industry, combined with his global perspective and passion for community engagement, make him a tremendous asset to Farmington,” said Christa Chapman, Director of Cultural Affairs. “We’re excited to see how his leadership will shape the future of the Farmington Museum System.”

  • San Juan Co. Child Contracts Measles

    While the child caught measles outside San Juan County, people may have been exposed to this latest case of measles at the following locations, days and times:  San Juan Regional Medical Center Emergency Room, 801 West Maple Street in Farmington on the following days and times:   Monday, May 26 from 10:30 p.m. - Tuesday, May 27 at 4:15 a.m.  Wednesday, May 28 from 2 - 4 p.m.   San Juan Regional Medical Center Health Partners Pediatrics Clinic, 407 South Schwartz, Suite 102 in Farmington:  Friday, May 30 from 8:15 - 10:30 a.m. 

  • Bloomfield Police Officer Dies from Injuries

    Officer Ontiveros has been with the Bloomfield Police Department since December 2024 and previously worked for the Farmington Police Department. Additionally, he served as a volunteer firefighter for the Aztec Fire Department since 2017.

  • Suspect Killed, Bloomfield Police Officer Injured after gunfight

    Bloomfield Police Department officers were conducting a traffic stop when the subject shot at an officer, striking the officer, and an officer’s weapon was also discharged. Tragically, the subject has died as a result of the incident. Their identity will be released by the Office of the Medical Investigator once next of kin have been notified.

  • Two Dead after Officer-Involved Shooting in Farmington

    According to initial witness statements, the male subject was in the passenger seat of a vehicle being driven by a female. Witnesses reported that the vehicle moved toward law enforcement officers while the male subject attempted to climb into the driver’s seat. Shots were fired by U.S. Marshals during the incident. Both the male subject and the female driver were pronounced dead at the scene. No law enforcement personnel were injured.

  • One Dead After House Fire Saturday Afternoon

    Second occupant in critical condition; Identity of victims not yet released.

On KSJE Now:

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 99°F | Low: 55°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 95°F | Low: 43°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 104°F | Low: 54°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 99°F | Low: 52°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 93°F | Low: 59°F