Suspect Killed, Bloomfield Police Officer Injured after gunfight

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 11:48 AM

Bloomfield Police Department officers were conducting a traffic stop when the subject shot at an officer, striking the officer, and an officer’s weapon was also discharged. Tragically, the subject has died as a result of the incident. Their identity will be released by the Office of the Medical Investigator once next of kin have been notified.

From the San Juan County Sheriff's Office:

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office confirms an officer-involved shooting occurred last night, Monday, May 26th, in Bloomfield at approximately 10:55 pm. Bloomfield Police Department officers were conducting a traffic stop when the subject shot at an officer, striking the officer, and an officer’s weapon was also discharged.

Tragically, the subject has died as a result of the incident.

Update on the Suspect:

Dennis Armenta, age 58, was fatally shot by a Bloomfield Police Officer after he opened fire and struck Officer Timothy Ontiveros.

The incident began when Mr. Armenta was stopped for a traffic violation but refused to roll down his window or provide identification to Officer Ontiveros. After over eight minutes of negotiation, Mr. Armenta continued to refuse to comply. Officers decided to arrest him for concealing his identity. Mr. Armenta remained locked inside his car with the windows up, prompting officers to break a window to conduct the arrest. Once the window was broken, Mr. Armenta opened fire with a handgun, hitting Officer Ontiveros and narrowly missing a second officer on the scene. The second officer returned fire and fatally shot Mr. Armenta. Fortunately, the second officer was not injured, and his name will not be released until the conclusion of the San Juan County Sheriff's Office investigation.

**Incidents/Arrests Involving Dennis Armenta:**

- **Date: 04-25-2023** - Aggravated Assault (Armed with an Axe), FPD Case #2023-22851

- **Date: 01-03-2021** - Resisting/Obstructing an Officer, FPD Case #2021-397

- **Date: 08-31-2013** - DWI, BPD Case #2013-7607

- **Date: 04-15-2025** - Threatening Hospital and Staff (SJRMC), FPD Case #2025-24198

- **Date: 08-22-2024** - Criminal Trespass, Concealing Identification, Obstructing an Officer, BPD #2024-8860

- **Date: 05-10-2012** - Criminal Trespass, Resisting Arrest, FPD Case #2021-24169

From Bloomfield Police:

Officer Timothy Ontiveros was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center with life-threatening wounds and remains in critical condition.

Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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