N.M. Police Officer Dies from Injuries Days after Traffic Stop Shooting
What to know
- Bloomfield Police Officer Timothy Ontiveros, 32, died from injuries suffered during a May 26 traffic stop after the suspect opened fire as officers tried to arrest him.
- Ontiveros had been with the department since December and was also a volunteer firefighter.
- A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support his family, and the investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
By Gregory Hasman
Source Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
A Bloomfield police officer has died, less than a week after being shot during a traffic stop.
At about 10:55 p.m., May 26, Timothy Ontiveros, 32, pulled over Dennis Armenta, 58, for a traffic violation. Armenta refused to roll down his window or provide identification to Ontiveros, Bloomfield Police Department Chief Phillip Francisco said. After over eight minutes of negotiation, Armenta continued to refuse to comply. Officers decided to arrest him for concealing his identity, Francisco said.
Armenta was inside his locked car with the windows up, prompting officers to break a window to take him into custody. At that point, Armenta opened fire with a handgun, "hitting Ontiveros and narrowly missing a second officer at the scene," Francisco said.
Ontiveros was taken to multiple hospitals before dying in Albuquerque Sunday, he said Sunday.
"Officer Ontiveros was a valued member of the Bloomfield Police Department," Francisco said. "In his short time with the agency, he demonstrated kindness, professionalism, and dedication to the safety of the community he served.More on OFFICER.com
N.M. Police Officer Seriously Injured in Traffic Stop Shootout
- Bloomfield Police Officer Timothy Ontiveros suffered life-threatening injuries during a stop when he was struck by gunfire from an armed suspect, who was fatally shot by another officer
Ontiveros had been with the Bloomfield Police Department since December. He was also a volunteer firefighter with the Aztec Fire Department. He previously worked for Farmington police.
"We are grieving his loss and ask for your prayers and support for the family of Officer Ontiveros and the Bloomfield Police Department as we navigate this tremendous loss," Francisco said.
A GoFundMe page was set up to support Ontiveros' family. On the page, family friend Heather Eckhoff described Ontiveros as having a "heart of gold" who loved serving and protecting his community.
"I extend my deepest condolences to Officer Ontiveros's family, friends, and fellow officers," Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement. "Today, all New Mexicans honor his life, his service, and the sacrifice he made to keep others safe."
Funeral arrangements have not been set, Francisco said.
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