Man Arrested after Stabbing Outside Farmington Mall

Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 1:31 PM

Before officers arrived, a citizen attempted to help the security guard disarm the suspect by approaching him from behind and wrapping his arms around him. Security pepper-sprayed the suspect as he began to stab the citizen who was assisting. Officers arrived and immediately began rendering aid to the citizen and disarming and detaining the suspect.

From Farmington Police

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Farmington police arrested a man following a stabbing outside the Animas Valley Mall yesterday evening.

Around 6 p.m. on February 22, 2021, security officers for the business called for police to assist them with a man threatening others with a knife. Later identified as 46-year-old Raymond Willie, the man had been aggressive with other customers and security while inside the mall. Willie purchased a knife from a business and then exited the mall and began threatening bystanders. Security approached Willie and contacted the police for assistance. Before officers arrived, a citizen attempted to help the security guard disarm the man by approaching Willie from behind and wrapping his arms around him. Security pepper-sprayed Willie as he began to stab the citizen who was assisting. Officers arrived and immediately began rendering aid to the citizen and disarming and detaining Willie. The citizen was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center where he was treated and is now in stable condition. Raymond Willie is charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

More from Local News

Gov. to Visit Flood-Stricken San Juan County

The governor’s visit was carefully scheduled to give first responders, law enforcement and emergency vehicles ample time to complete rescues and other emergency work during the flooding. Now that the floodwaters are receding and initial damage assessments are underway, the Governor will survey the disaster zone and work to get families the help they need.
National Guard, State Police carry out rescues as historic flooding hits San Juan County

New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham preparing request for federal disaster declaration
Bloomfield: Wastewater Emergency

Bloomfield Residents and businesses: please minimize water use until further notice. Postpone laundry and dishwasher use, keep showers brief, and reduce toilet flushing when practical and sanitary. Every reduction helps limit wastewater entering the river.
Kirtland Students on Remote Learning thru Thursday

The district has worked with the Lower Valley Water Users Association on the testing needed to lift the boil water notice. Because of the number of tests required, the district has decided to keep students on remote learning as a precaution for their well-being. If test results come back early, the district must still follow processes and protocols to flush and clear the water lines at each school before in-person instruction can resume. Safety is our top priority for the well-being of our Kirtland students.
*UPDATE* Boil Water Advisory Lifted for Lower Valley Water Users

Water Samples taken from the Lower Valley Water Association system have tested negative for e-coli. The Boil Water notice has been lifted for customers.
Woman's Husband Arrested for Kirtland Killing

Through the course of the investigation, detectives discovered that Lauren Patterson’s husband, Jess Patterson, had previously resided in California and had been arrested at least 6 times for domestic violence in that state and had been arrested in July 2026 in New Mexico for battering Ms. Patterson. An autopsy revealed Ms. Patterson suffered multiple broken bones, bruising, and internal injuries.