ALAMOGORDO, N.M. — A routine early morning traffic stop in Alamogordo turned deadly when a police officer was shot and later died from his injuries.
The incident unfolded around 2:30 a.m. Saturday when officers attempted to stop 26-year-old Dominic De La O, who was reportedly driving without headlights or taillights. According to a statement from New Mexico State Police, De La O fled the stop, crashed his vehicle near Delaware Avenue and 1st Street, and attempted to escape on foot.
During the pursuit, authorities say De La O turned and fired a sawed-off shotgun, hitting Officer Anthony Ferguson in the face. Another officer returned fire, striking De La O in the leg.
Officer Ferguson was initially transported to a local medical facility before being airlifted to University Medical Center in El Paso. He succumbed to his injuries Sunday evening, as confirmed by UMC and Alamogordo Mayor Susan Payne.
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De La O, who had active felony warrants at the time of the shooting, was treated for his injuries and taken into custody. He now faces several charges, including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery on a peace officer with a deadly weapon, tampering with evidence, and other felony counts.
Authorities also noted that De La O had been involved in a separate shooting involving Alamogordo Police earlier this year on January 29.
Following his arrest, De La O entered a plea of not guilty. A judge granted the state’s motion for pretrial detention, meaning he will remain in custody pending trial.
This tragic incident marks a solemn moment for the Alamogordo community and law enforcement across the state as they mourn the loss of Officer Ferguson.
