...By Gift BADEWO for TDPel Media.
Authorities in New Mexico have reported a devastating shooting incident where an 18-year-old suspect opened fire, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to two police officers.
The suspect, who remains unidentified, was reportedly armed with two pistol-type weapons.
The situation was contained, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The Horrific Attack and Witness Accounts
Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scene, with one witness recounting that the gunman fired approximately 100 rounds within a span of 20 minutes during the tragic attack.
Multiple civilians and officers from the Farmington Police Department were involved in the shooting, which took place on Monday morning around 11 am.
Two officers, one from the Farmington Police Department and another from the New Mexico State Police, sustained gunshot wounds and were promptly taken to the San Juan Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Fortunately, they are reported to be in stable condition. The number of civilians injured is yet to be determined.
Lockdowns and Impact on the Community
Farmington Police Department later confirmed that initial reports of multiple suspects were unfounded, and all lockdowns in the area had been lifted by 2 pm.
The shooting occurred in the vicinity south of Brookside Park in Farmington, causing bullets to strike multiple vehicles and houses.
As a precautionary measure, four nearby schools were placed under lockdown at the request of the Farmington Police Department, leading to a period of heightened concern for students, staff, and parents.
Farmington, a town located approximately 150 miles northwest of Albuquerque and about 10 miles south of the New Mexico-Colorado border, has a population of around 50,000 residents.
Eyewitness Testimony and Impact on the Medical Center
A witness claiming to work at the San Juan Regional Medical Center shared a firsthand account on Facebook of an injured officer being brought into the facility.
The witness described the arrival of police cars, with an officer being pulled out of a backseat and taken inside the hospital.
They also mentioned the influx of ambulances, emotional EMS personnel, and the entire hospital being placed on lockdown.
The gravity of the situation left the witness feeling deeply saddened by the events unfolding.
Ongoing Investigation and Past Incident
Law enforcement agencies, including the Farmington Police Department, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, and the New Mexico State Police, are collaborating to investigate the shooting and gather more information about the suspect’s motives and background.
It is essential to note that this incident is separate from an unrelated occurrence four weeks prior, where Farmington Police mistakenly attended the wrong address and tragically shot and killed an innocent individual.
