School Resource Officer Resigns after Use of Force against Student

Monday, October 21, 2019 at 10:54 AM

A sergeant with FPD’s Professional Standards Division was viewing Officer Zach Christensen’s lapel camera video footage as part of a routine internal review process. He saw what he believed to be a use of force violation against an 11-year-old female student and opened an internal affairs investigation.

From: Farmington Police Department

Sunday, October 20, 2019

The Farmington Police Department today announces a school resource officer is no longer employed with the department following an investigation into a use of force incident at Mesa View Middle School. The incident took place on August 27, 2019 when school officials requested Officer Zach Christensen assist them in addressing a disruptive student. Christensen was the school resource officer assigned to Mesa View Middle School. A sergeant with FPD’s Professional Standards Division was viewing Christensen’s lapel camera video footage as part of a routine internal review process. He saw what he believed to be a use of force violation against an 11-year-old female student and opened an internal affairs investigation. Officer Christensen was immediately placed on administrative leave per FPD policy. Additionally, the case was referred to the New Mexico State Police for possible criminal charges.

Editor's note: Chief Hebbe appeared on KSJE on Monday, October 21, 2019 to discuss this incident:

Chief Steve Hebbe issued the following written statement regarding the incident and a more detailed video message to our community, “When we fall short of our expectations and standards, we hold ourselves accountable. Like many of you, I was shocked and angry when I watched this video. We value our relationship with our community and will continue to work hard to maintain the public’s confidence in our department.”

Editors note: Below is the entire Police lapel camera video released by the Farmington Police Department:

More from Local News

Update: Driver Cited for Street Racing (video)

The driver of the red Toyota Supra, 22-year-old Kalynn Kenworthy, was charged with racing on highways. Kenworthy has an extensive history of traffic violations, including citations for racing in August 2025 and in 2023, as well as more than seven speeding citations within the past four years, each averaging more than 15 mph over the posted speed limit. Additional charges are pending against the driver of the white passenger car.
Dineh Benally Pleads Guilty to Charges from Illegal Marijuana Farms

According to court documents, from approximately January 2018 to November 2020, Benally, 48, and his co-conspirators established over 30 farms, covering more than 400 acres, on land obtained from Navajo Nation members. To fund this illegal enterprise, Benally and a co-conspirator traveled to California and created front companies to solicit Chinese investors. These investors were charged cash fees ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for counterfeit cannabis cultivation licenses.
Three Injured in Farmington Shooting, Suspect Arrested

It was discovered that several individuals had been injured. A juvenile sustained a graze wound, a 16-year-old was shot in the leg, and an 18-year-old was shot in the chest and transported to Albuquerque in critical condition. The vehicle involved in the crash is connected to the shooter. At this time, the shooter has been identified as an 18-year-old male.
Woman Injured in Shooting, Suspect Arrested

As three individuals tried to leave a party, a male subject began shooting, unintentionally striking the vehicle and, subsequently, a passenger inside the vehicle. The passenger was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center and later transported to UNM in Albuquerque, where she is awake and in stable condition.
Arrest Made in Fatal Hit & Run

Using multiple means of evidence, the driver was identified as Alvin Paul who was driving a 2003 white Chevrolet when he veered off the road, hitting Shirley. Paul did not stop or report the crash and surveillance footage from a nearby business proved Paul as the driver. He later admitted to operating the vehicle carelessly. At the time of the crash, Paul’s driver’s license was revoked from a prior DWI arrests. He has two prior DWI convictions and is currently on probation for the second DWI.
Candidates File for Municipal Elections

Candidates filed for municipal elections today. Elections will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.