Man accused of shooting at New Mexico State Police officer arrested
FARMINGTON, N.M. (KRQE) – The man accused of shooting at a New Mexico State Police officer in Farmington on Monday was taken into custody.
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office said 40-year-old Fernando Silva was arrested without incident on Tuesday.
The arrest announcement came just a few hours after New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler held a news conference about the shooting in Farmington. Weisler said the incident started with a regular traffic stop for speeding around 7:30 p.m. An officer spotted a black Chrysler 300 speeding near Pinon Hills on the north side of Farmington.
State Police say the driver, identified as Silva, pulled over but didn’t let the officer get out of his patrol car before pulling out what looked like an AR-15 and firing at least 50 rounds.
“The officer demonstrated immense courage and quick thinking, managed to retreat to safety, though his unit was struck several times during the incident,” said Chief Weisler.
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Officials said the officer is “ok.” The chief added that the officer did try to pursue Silva, but his unit was hit with several rounds, and the officer lost sight of Silva.
“It’s extremely concerning. I think what we have seen—we saw it here, we saw it with Officer Hare. Both situations are very premeditated,” said Weisler.
Silva previously had a warrant out for resisting arrest back in January. He is now facing charges including attempted second-degree murder and aggravated assault on an officer with a deadly weapon.
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