Farmington police officer injured while taking suspect into custody

This community update was recorded courtesy of San Juan Safe Communities Initiative. Working together to keep our community a safe place to live, work and play.

Farmington, NM – A Farmington police officer was injured on November 29 while taking a suspect into custody following a traffic stop. At approximately 9:00 p.m. a Farmington officer observed a vehicle exit the Hastings parking lot. The vehicle continued to travel west bound on 20th Street at speeds of over 50 miles per hour. The officer observed the vehicle weaving in and out of traffic and causing other motorists to veer off the road. The vehicle turned south onto Carlton Avenue and came to a stop just north of Cooper Street. The driver, later identified as 28-year-old Gregory Shepard, exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The officer chased Shepard and took him into custody without further incident.

A second officer arrived on scene to conduct a DUI investigation. As he began the investigation, the front passenger exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The officer ran after the subject and caught him in a neighboring driveway. The subject, later identified as 34-year-old Larry Emerson, struggled with the officer and punched him in the face. A K9 officer arrived on scene and assisted with taking Emerson into custody. The officer was taken to San Juan Regional Medical Center and treated for his injuries. He sustained a shattered elbow and multiple abrasions to his knees, elbow and hand.

Shepard was charged with DUI (6th offense), resisting, speeding, revoked license and open container. He is being held at the San Juan County Detention Center without bond. Emerson was charged with battery on a police officer, resisting and criminal damage to property. He is being held at the San Juan County Detention Center on a $5,900.