Farmington Man Suspected of Arson

Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at 1:44 PM

Ray Montano (Courtesy: Farmington Police Department)

Farmington detectives identified Montano as the suspect through video surveillance and body camera footage from officers who saw the suspect riding a bicycle away from the scene of two of the fires. Officers located Montano on July 8 and detained him for questioning. He was subsequently arrested on a warrant for three counts of arson at 709 Orchard Homes Dr., 301 Airport Dr. and 621 W. Animas St. No one was injured in the fires.

From Farmington Police:

July 10, 2019

Farmington police arrested Ray Montano, 49 of Farmington, on Monday in connection with a string of fires that investigators determined to be intentionally set. Six structure fires took place between June 22 and July 7 in various abandoned buildings in Farmington. The San Juan County Fire Investigation Task Force, comprised of representatives from FPD, Farmington Fire Department, San Juan County Fire Department and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the incidents and found them to be arson.

The three other fires remain under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Farmington Police Department Detective Tip Hotline at 505-599-1068. Anonymous tips may be submitted to San Juan County Crime Stoppers at 505-334-TIPS.

More from Local News

Two Bicyclists Killed on N36 in alleged DWI Crash

The Sheriff's Office Traffic Reconstruction Team responded to conduct the investigation into the fatal crash. Two persons on bicycles (an adult male and an adult female) were struck by a 2006 Ford Ranger driven by Jaron Todecheeny of Aztec, NM. Both bicyclists died at the scene.
One Dead After House Fire Saturday Afternoon

Second occupant in critical condition; Identity of victims not yet released.
First Native American President Named at Fort Lewis College

As Vice President of Diversity Affairs at FLC, Heather Shotton has played a pivotal role in advancing a culture of belonging and enhancing student access and success. In addition to her work in diversity affairs, she serves as Acting Dean of Student Engagement, overseeing more than 70 staff members supporting student well-being and success.
Arrest Made after Durango Rec Center Damaged by Gunfire

The initial call was received at 5:23 AM. The individual was identified from video surveillance. The male was contacted by Durango Police Department Patrol and is now in custody. He has been identified as Joe Brinkerhoff, a resident of the City of Durango. Due to a prior incident, Joe Brinkerhoff was trespassed from the property and his Rec Center privileges were suspended.
Police Arrest Woman for Husband's Fatal Stabbing 5 years ago

After a thorough and ongoing investigation by detectives and working with the district attorney's office, a thorough review of the case was conducted, and the decision to proceed with criminal charges was made. A warrant was issued to charge Heather Fernandez-Hoefer. She was taken into custody without incident on April 1, 2025.
Update: Arrest Made in Fatal Shooting

Upon arrival, deputies made contact with multiple individuals including juveniles and young adults and located a deceased individual identified as Samuell Tariq Liggins, age 20.