Man Arrested after School Threat

Friday, August 22, 2025 at 11:21 AM

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.

From Farmington Police:

Friday, August 22, 2025

On August 21, 2025, at approximately 9:15 a.m., Farmington Police officers were dispatched to McKinley Elementary School after staff reported an adult male, identified as Ernest Begay Jr.(45), threatened to shoot a teacher at the school’s front entrance. The school immediately went into lockdown.

No weapons were located on Mr. Begay. 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.

The Farmington Police Department commends the quick actions of school staff to ensure the safety of students and employees.

More from Local News

2026 NM Primary Local (Unofficial) Results

We'll be updating this page with results throughout the evening on Tuesday, June 2, 2026: These are the unofficial results of the contested NM Primary races in San Juan County on June 2, 2026:
Remainder of Piñon Hills Blvd. Extension Fully Funded

Phase III of the $30 million project includes $27 million in state funds and $3 million in matching funds from San Juan County to fully fund and complete the project by 2029.
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.
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.
2024 Election: San Juan County Contested Races

These are the unofficial election results from voting on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 of the contested races in San Juan County, NM.

On KSJE Now:

Big Picture Science
8:00am - 9:00am
Radio Free Saturday Morning
9:00am - 11:00am

Tune in to discover new music and to revel in the more familiar, with no rules on genre, form, or novelty.
World Beat
11:00am - Noon