FPD Release Bodycam Footage of Officer Involved Shooting

Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 12:24 PM

Farmington Police Officer Joseph Barreto

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.

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

From Farmington Police:

The Farmington Police Department released video footage today of a shooting on January 7 on North Fairview Avenue that left one officer injured. Chief Steve Hebbe released the following statement about the incident, “The body camera footage displays how fast the situation turns dangerous for Officer Barreto with no warning and very little chance to react. He very easily could’ve been killed. Then, you see the professionalism with which Officer Barreto begins to direct the response. He is alerting other officers that he’s been shot, where the suspects are going, and what they’re wearing. All of this shows Officer Barreto at his best during one of the worst nights of his career.”

Officer Barreto was released from the hospital and is home recovering. He issued the following statement, “I would like to sincerely thank everyone for their prayers and help during these times. My family greatly appreciates it and it has helped alleviate some of the stress put on them. I’m going to try to recover as fast as I can so I can get back out there with my shift and the department that has treated me like family. Again I just want to wholeheartedly thank everyone for their support.”

Around 10:18 pm on January 7, officers responded to a report of a possible drunk driver in the area of East Main Street and North Tucker Avenue. Officer Barreto contacted a man, later identified as 22-year-old Elias Buck, and a woman, later identified as 28-year-old Victoria “Rossi” Hernandez, walking in the area who matched the description of the car's occupants. Buck produced a gun and fired multiple shots at Barreto, wounding him. Officer Barreto returned fire and radioed for assistance. The subjects ran away. He was immediately transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center.

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.
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.

More from Local News

Durango Begins Water Restrictions

Irrigation for lawns accounts for 70% of Durango’s water usage, so outdoor landscape will be limited to three days a week between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. for both residential and commercial users. Odd-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Outdoor landscape irrigation is prohibited during all hours on Wednesdays.
Candidates for San Juan County Sheriff Speak with KSJE

All four republican candidates for San Juan County Sheriff have sat down for an interview with KSJE General Manager Scott Michlin.
Police ID Suspect and Officers involved in Hines Rd. Shooting

Upon arrival, officers observed a male and female walking who matched the provided descriptions. Officers gave commands for Leon Quintana (27) to place his hands on his head and walk backward toward them. During the encounter, Mr. Quintana hesitated and shifted his movements while officers continued giving commands. He then produced a firearm and fired a shot toward officers, striking an officer’s patrol car. A second shot was also fired.
2 Year Old Reunited with Father, Mother Arrested

A complex investigation began, tracking Ms. Salazar across multiple states with cooperation from several law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshal’s Service, that concluded last week when Ms. Salazar was arrested on her warrant and the child was returned to New Mexico where he is now with Mr. West.
Candidates File to Run in the NM June 2nd Primary

These candidates have filed to run in the New Mexico Primary on June 2, 2026. We are only listing candidates in CONTESTED races.
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.