ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) — An Alamogordo police officer who was shot in the face with a sawed-off shotgun after a foot chase with a suspect has died, authorities said Monday.
Police officials said 41-year-old Anthony Ferguson died in a hospital from his injuries.
The 11-year veteran of the Alamogordo Police Department was airlifted to a trauma center, where he had been listed in critical condition after the shooting early Saturday.
Police said 26-year-old Dominic De La O, of Alamogordo, was arrested and being held at the Otero County jail on multiple charges including an attempt to commit first-degree murder and aggravated battery on a police officer with a deadly weapon.
It’s believed that De La O will face upgraded charges now that Ferguson has died in the line of duty.
Officers tried to pull over the vehicle De La O was driving without headlights or taillights, police said.
De La O fled, crashed into a light pole, then ran from the scene before the shootout with Ferguson.
Police said De La O suffered a leg wound and was arrested after being treated and released from a hospital.
It wasn’t immediately clear Monday if De La O has a lawyer yet who can speak on his behalf.
Latest Update:
July 17, 2023, 3:25pm Twelfth Judicial District Attorney Scot D. Key Joins the Alamogordo Police Department and the Entire Law Enforcement Family in Mourning the Loss of APD Officer Anthony Ferguson District Attorney Key and the entire District Attorney’s Office staff extend their condolences to the Ferguson Family, and the Alamogordo Police Department, and join the rest of the community in mourning the loss of Officer Ferguson. There have been no criminal charges filed against the defendant at this time. The State is taking advantage of the fact that the defendant was arrested on a “no bond” warrant in another pending felony case. The defendant cannot get out of jail and the State will be presenting the case to the Otero County Grand Jury as early as next week. It is anticipated that the charges will include first-degree murder. DA Key continues to work with multiple Law Enforcement agencies to ensure a full investigation is conducted and charges are precisely presented to the Grand Jury. The US Attorney’s Office and the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) have both been contacted about the incident and it appears there could be additional federal charges against the defendant. DA Key expects to present this case to a Grand Jury as early as next week and after that, a charging document will be made available. The 12th Judicial District is a small, united community and a multitude of people have been gravely affected by the shooting and loss of Officer Ferguson. As we continue to work on this case with our justice partners, we will focus on Officer Ferguson’s family and our law enforcement officers, with whom we grieve through this tragedy. |