More Details Released about Officer Involved Shooting

The suspect, later identified as Shawn Thomas, did succumb to his injuries on location. Thomas is a known habitual offender and had previously served time in prison as well as multiple sentences in jail.

From the San Juan County Sheriff's Office

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

On July 11, 2021, police responded to an armed subject that resulted in a pursuit and an officer involved shooting. The suspect, 36-year-old Shawn Thomas, succumbed to his injuries on scene.

The incident started in Shiprock, NM at approximately 1:25 p.m. The Navajo Police Department was notified of a subject brandishing a firearm at the Speedway Gas Station at US Hwy 64 and Hwy 491. While enroute, officers were notified the suspect left the scene in a blue Toyota Corolla. Navajo PD officers pursued the vehicle east on US Highway 64, at which time, the suspect traveled off the Navajo Nation where San Juan County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies intercepted the vehicle. After deputies successfully deployed stop sticks and deflated two tires, the vehicle veered into oncoming traffic, attempted to turn around, but eventually was stopped between the 33- and 34-mile markers. As SJCSO deputies approached the vehicle, actions were made by the suspect which resulted in shots being fired by a deputy. The vehicle began to roll where it eventually crashed into a tree and caught fire. Deputies extracted the suspect from the vehicle to render medical aid while EMS and SJC Fire & Rescue were enroute.

The suspect, later identified as Shawn Thomas, did succumb to his injuries on location. Thomas is a known habitual offender and had previously served time in prison as well as multiple sentences in jail.

No officers or uninvolved citizens were injured. Per San Juan County Sheriff’s Office policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave. Conclusions about whether the actions of the deputy are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all the facts are known and the investigation is complete.

“All critical incidents where a deputy is involved are thoroughly investigated and meticulously scrutinized for law and policy compliance. We thank the community for their patience as our San Juan County Regional Officer Involved Shooting Task Force investigates the incident, as well as the chain of events that led up to the incident.” – Sheriff R. Shane Ferrari

The incident remains under investigation, and further information will be provided as it becomes available. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Farmington Police Department, the primary investigating agency, at 505-599-1068.