39-year-old Brad Harris is charged with Homicide by Motor Vehicle, Hit and Run Involving Death, and DWI.
On arrival, officers determined that the woman, 52-year-old Teresa Smith of Gallup, was struck by a vehicle and succumbed to her injuries.
From Farmington Police
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Farmington police have arrested a man involved in a deadly crash early Wednesday, October 7, 2020. 39-year-old Brad Harris is charged with Homicide by Motor Vehicle, Hit and Run Involving Death, and DWI.
Around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, officers responded to a report of a body near 20th St. and Brookside Dr. On arrival, officers determined that the woman, 52-year-old Teresa Smith of Gallup, was struck by a vehicle and succumbed to her injuries. Through investigation, officers located the involved vehicle at a house nearby and contacted the driver, later identified as Harris.
The Farmington Police Department extends heartfelt condolences to Ms. Smith’s family and friends. FPD also wants to remind the community to drink responsibly and always use a designated driver or rideshare service. The Traffic Division is still investigating this case and will release details as they become available.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Gov. to Visit Flood-Stricken San Juan County
National Guard, State Police carry out rescues as historic flooding hits San Juan County
Bloomfield: Wastewater Emergency
Kirtland Students on Remote Learning thru Thursday
*UPDATE* Boil Water Advisory Lifted for Lower Valley Water Users
Woman's Husband Arrested for Kirtland Killing
