FPD Officer Shot after Traffic Stop, Suspect & Person Of Interest Sought

Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 3:11 PM

Elias Buck (suspect) and Victoria "Rossi" Hernandez (person of interest)

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.

From Farmington Police

Update: January 11, 2022

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.

Farmington Police have released Officer Barreto's bodycam footage (with narrative)

Saturday, January 8, 2022

Farmington police are searching for 22-year-old Elias Buck after shooting a Farmington police officer late last night.
Around 10:18 pm on January 7, 2022, officers responded to a report of a possible drunk driver in the area of East Main Street and North Tucker Ave. One officer contacted a man, later identified as Buck, and a woman, later identified as 28-year-old Victoria “Rossi” Hernandez, walking in the area who matched the description of the occupants of the car. Buck produced a gun and fired multiple shots at the officer, hitting him. The officer returned fire and radioed for assistance. The subjects ran away. The officer was immediately transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center, where he is currently in stable condition.
SWAT teams from FPD, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, and New Mexico State Police searched the areas of North Tucker Avenue, North Fairview Avenue, and connecting streets between East 20th Street and East Main Street, throughout the night. They were assisted by the SJCSO helicopter and NMSP drone operators. Buck wasn’t located, and FPD is now asking the public’s assistance in finding him.
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 immediately contact their local police department or dial 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.
This incident remains under investigation, and further information will be provided as it becomes available.

From the LaPlata Co. Sheriff's Office:

Elias Buck escaped from the La Plata County Jail on December 27, 2021. Buck was serving as a trustee at the time of his escape on charges related to motor vehicle theft, and has a lengthy criminal history for crimes in multiple jurisdictions. The La Plata County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help from community members to locate this individual and bring him to justice for his most recent criminal actions.

Statement from Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe & Farmington City Manager Rob Mayes:

More from Local News

Navajo Nation agrees (again) to help fund N-36/NM 371 Intersection Improvements

The agreement authorizes NDOT to transfer $2,790,647 to NMDOT to administer procurement and construction of the NM371/N36 Intersection Improvement Project. This long-needed project will include roadway widening and the installation of a traffic signal and lighting system designed to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall public safety for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and travelers who rely on this heavily used corridor.
Racing Commission Approves SunRay Move to Clovis

The move will not affect the 2026 racing season in San Juan County. Live racing is scheduled for April 17 – May 24, 2026. San Juan County has previously said that McGee Park and the San Juan County Fairgrounds would not be impacted by any changes at the casino and horse racing track.
*Update* Arrest Made in Child's Death

The suspect, John Hannon, the child’s father, was arrested on 2/9/26 on unrelated charges. He was served with the following charges while at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center:
90 Dogs Rescued in Bloomfield

The rescue effort also received substantial financial support, from various donors. This outside support significantly reduced the financial impact on local resources and ensured the operation did not place a major burden on San Juan County taxpayers.
Resident Dies after House Fire N. of Aztec

Crews arrived to find a structure on fire and the occupant inside. Despite a quick response from fire crews and efforts by San Juan County Sheriff’s Deputies, one occupant was removed from the structure by firefighters and transported to the hospital by San Juan Regional Medical Center EMS. The occupant was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Diné College Selects New President

Dr. Jackson-Dennison, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation (Diné), brings nearly four decades of experience in educational leadership, with a career dedicated to advancing Indigenous sovereignty, self-determination, and academic excellence. Her leadership reflects a unique ability to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems with Western academic frameworks, a hallmark of her scholarship and professional practice.