A San Juan County Detention Center officer reportedly caused a nearly three-hour lock down this week at the 11th Judicial District Courthouse after a domestic violence hearing.
William Johnston, 56, of Aztec, was in court July 7, arguing against a restraining order request filed by his former girlfriend, according to court records.
The request for the restraining order stated that Johnston had been “suicidal” and was in possession of “multiple pistols and long guns.”
The hearing heard by District Judge Brad Dalley began at 11:25 a.m. and ended at 11:50 a.m., with Dalley issuing a 20-year restraining order and instructing Johnston to undergo counseling.
After the hearing, Johnston reportedly wrote a note saying, “Will always love you,” and left it on his former girlfriend’s vehicle. He also allegedly sent her a message through social media, which was a violation of the restraining order.
About 30-minutes later at 12:22 p.m., the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office was called to the courthouse in Aztec in response to Johnston being in his vehicle with a gun, according to an affidavit for arrest warrant.
Johnston reportedly told deputies that he saw his former girlfriend walking outside of court with a deputy and “that was when he grabbed his handgun to shoot himself,” the affidavit said.
For help
If you are someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, the New Mexico Crisis hotline at 988 is a 24-hour, seven-days a week lifeline for emotional, mental, alcohol and substance abuse support. It is free and private and available by calling or texting 988.
When his vehicle was surrounded by law enforcement, Johnston reportedly called his former girlfriend multiple times, using his cellphone, which was another violation of the restraining order.
Johnston remained in his vehicle with the gun, causing law enforcement to not only close the courthouse, but also the nearby San Juan County administrative offices.
All traffic on NM 516 was redirected beginning at 12:52 p.m., and the highway remained closed until Johnston was peacefully taken into custody at 2:39 p.m.
No gunshots were fired and no one was injured in the standoff, according to San Juan County Sheriff Shane Ferrari, who said Johnston was being charged with a misdemeanor violation of a restraining order.
An arrest warrant for Johnston was filed July 8 in San Juan County Magistrate Court.
The Tri-City Record contacted San Juan County to request Johnston’s employment status and County Public Relations Manager Devin Neeley said, “his employment ends today.”
dmayeux@tricityrecordnm.com
