Man Arrested after School Threat

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

  • San Juan Co. to NM: Find Out Why Local Gas Prices Are High

    The New Mexico Department of Justice has investigated fuel prices in San Juan County under prior Attorneys General. Investigations were inconclusive, but there was relief at the pump for a brief period. “We just want to be assured that San Juan County is paying what’s fair at the pump,” said Commissioner Lanier. “With limited competition between brands, it is worth checking out.”

  • Suspect Sought in July 4th Fatal Shooting

    Deputies responded to reports of a shooting and located 18-year-old Elihue Vialpando, who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. A second victim, Jack Chavez, suffered a gunshot wound to his leg and was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center for treatment. Witness statements revealed Vialpando brandished a pistol and fired rounds earlier in the night, but based on the timeline of events and witness statements, did not support actions by Thomas Vigil.

  • Authorities Search for DWI Treatment Center Escapee

    The suspect escaped during Sunday afternoon church services. He asked to go to the bathroom and never returned, immediately initiating a count and search of the facility. This is the first escape in the 31-year history of the jail-based treatment center.

  • Farmington Man Sentenced on Child Porn Conviction

    Earlier this week, Jacob Marriott was sentenced after pleading guilty to 4 counts of Manufacturing of Child Pornography (2nd Degree Felony), 1 count of Possession of Child Pornography (4th Degree Felony), and 2 counts of Voyeurism of a Child Under 18 (3rd Degree Felony).

  • Colorado Business Expands in Farmington

    NM-backed expansion expected to generate more than $22 million economic impact

  • 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:

On KSJE Now:

KSJE Radio App

Get the KSJE Radio App

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Thundershower

    High: 91°F | Low: 64°F

  • Durango, CO

    Thundershower

    High: 91°F | Low: 59°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Thundershower

    High: 95°F | Low: 66°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Thundershower

    High: 91°F | Low: 61°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Thundershower

    High: 88°F | Low: 61°F