Bloomfield Police Officer Timothy Ontiveros has died from gunshot wounds sustained during a traffic stop last week.
On May 26, Ontiveros and another officer stopped a driver who refused to cooperate. After an eight-minute negotiation, the officers attempted to arrest the individual, who then opened fire, hitting Officer Ontiveros. The second officer returned fire, killing the suspect.
Ontiveros, 33, was initially transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington and later flown to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where he died on Sunday. He had served with the Bloomfield Police Department for six months and previously with the Farmington Police Department. He was also a volunteer firefighter with the Aztec Fire Department and is survived by his daughters.
“In his short time with the agency, he demonstrated kindness, professionalism, and dedication to the safety of the community he served,” Bloomfield Police Chief Phillip Francisco said Sunday in a social media post. “We are all grieving his loss and ask for your prayers and support for the family of Officer Ontiveros and the Bloomfield Police Department as we navigate this tremendous loss.”
According to police, the suspect had a record of previous arrests, including assault, trespassing, resisting an officer and threatening hospital staff.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed her condolences in a statement on Monday.
“I am devastated by the loss of Bloomfield Police Officer Timothy Ontiveros, who gave his life in the line of duty while protecting the Bloomfield community. His death is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers face every single day,” Lujan Grisham said in a statement. “Officer Ontiveros joined the Bloomfield Police Department in November 2024 and quickly earned the respect of the community he served. He performed his duty with bravery and honor, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to public safety. I extend my deepest condolences to Officer Ontiveros’s family, friends and fellow officers. Today, all New Mexicans honor his life, his service, and the sacrifice he made to keep others safe. Officer Ontiveros’s service will never be forgotten.”
The community has rallied in support, with about 700 people gathering in Aztec to honor Ontiveros. The Aztec Senior Center raised approximately $10,000 through donations and an auction to help his family.
A GoFundMe page was set up to support Ontiveros’ family. Funeral arrangements have not been released.
“Timothy had a heart of gold and he was the heart and soul of his family. Timothy was a kind, strong, and amazing man,” Ontiveros’ friend and GoFundMe organizer Heather Ekhoff said. “Anything to help his daughters and family will be greatly appreciated. They will need all the prayers and help they can get.”