The body of Bloomfield Police officer Timothy Ontiveros, who was shot during a traffic stop last week, was returned to Farmington on Tuesday with a procession led by New Mexico State Police.
All Bloomfield government offices were closed from noon to 2:30 p.m. in honor of Ontiveros. The law enforcement procession taking Ontiveros from Albuquerque to Farmington started about 10 a.m. at the New Mexico Health Department.
It arrived in Bloomfield on San Juan County 550 about 2:45 p.m. and proceeded on U.S. Highway 64 to the Farmington Funeral Home, 2111 W. Apache St.
“This is a very emotional time for all law enforcement here in the Four Corners,” said Police Chief Steve Hebbe. “We haven’t had an officer killed in the line of duty in 35 years.” He added that his department was “very emotional,” because Ontiveros was a former Farmington Police employee.
Hundreds of residents met the procession along the way.
Law enforcement officers from across the state came out in force on West Apache Street. Sirens blared, a helicopter circled above, and a crowd lined the street in anticipation of the motorcade procession for the fallen officer.
“I knew him personally. We did Toys for Tots, bike runs, Aztec Speedway, and he worked was with Aztec Fire and as an EMT with me,” said Christina Hanen. “It was heartbreaking. It’s bringing us together.”
Another woman spoke about Ontiveros’ impact on her family.
“I honestly thought he was going to pull through. And when we got the news that he wasn't gonna make it … it was devastating. It's a big impact on my life, my son's life.”
Steve West, with American Legion Post 93 in Farmington, summed his feelings in one word: “Devastasted. I hope it wakes people up … in terms of law and respect for the law and first responders.”
West said motorcycle riders from Post 93 participated in the motorcade.
Leesha Allen said that when she heard there had been a shooting in Bloomfield that she texted Ontiveros. “And he didn't answer me.”
“It's really sad because two little girls lost their dad, she said.”
The week was met with community support and law enforcement support news broke that an officer had been shot in the line of duty.
The Bloomfield Police Department announced Sunday that Ontiveros died. According to Bloomfield Police Chief Phillip Francisco, the deadly encounter began May 26 after Dennis Armenta, 58, declined to lower his window or provide ID to Ontiveros. After eight minutes of negotiation, officers attempted to arrest Armenta for concealing his identity and broke a window on his vehicle.
Armenta then fired a handgun, striking Ontiveros and narrowly missing another officer. An officer returned fire and killed Armenta, who has a criminal record, according to New Mexico courts.
“Violence toward our courageous, selfless, and dedicated law enforcement officers is truly evil,” said state Sen. Steve Lanier. “Our San Juan communities must come together in this time of need to unite and move forward in a way that ensures a safe environment for community members and law enforcement officers.”
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said she was devastated by Ontiveros’ “heartbreaking” death, adding that Ontiveros “performed his duty with bravery and honor, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to public safety.”
“I extend my deepest condolences to officer Ontiveros's family, friends, and fellow officers,” Lujan Grisham added. “Today, all New Mexicans honor his life, his service, and the sacrifice he made to keep others safe. officer Ontiveros’s service will never be forgotten.”
“Officer Ontiveros was a valued member of the Bloomfield Police Department,” Francisco said Sunday in a Facebook post. “In his short time with the agency, he demonstrated kindness, professionalism, and dedication to the safety of the community he served.”
As the Bloomfield Police Department mourned his death, other law enforcement agencies in the region assisted with police calls in Bloomfield.
The Farmington Police Department, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and the New Mexico State Police agreed to handle calls in Bloomfield while officers mourned the loss, Francisco said.
“The officers are grieving and having a hard time,” Francisco said, adding many officers planned to visit Ontiveros in Albuquerque.
Ontiveros, 32, joined the Bloomfield Police Department in December 2024 and also was a volunteer firefighter with the Aztec Fire Department.
According to Francisco, Ontiveros was first treated at San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington until he could be flown to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque on Tuesday morning.
“We’re a law enforcement family no matter if you wear a badge or a star,” Sheriff Shane Ferrari said, adding he knows how much the Bloomfield Police Department is hurting. Ferrari added that he has deputies who attended the academy with Ontiveros and his department had a “need to find out where we can help.”
The help came in the way of giving Bloomfield Police “some time to be together and go through this mourning process,” Ferrari said, adding “we absolutely want to help out our partners.”
The Aztec Fire Department helped out with a fundraiser for Ontiveros Sunday at the Aztec Senior Center, 101 S. Park Ave. All proceeds go to Ontiveros.
A GoFundMe page was set up to support Ontiveros’ family.
Debra Mayeux and Trent Stephens contributed to this article.
