El Paso University Medical Center officials verified Officer Anthony Ferguson’s death.
On Saturday, Officer Anthony Ferguson was shot while conducting a traffic check near East 1st Street and Delaware Avenue in Alamogordo. In connection with the incident, the suspect, Dominic De La O, is presently being held at the Otero County Detention Center.
Anthony Ferguson was 41 years old and had served with the Alamogordo Police Department for 11 years.
Around 2:20 a.m. A traffic stop attempt was made on a vehicle early on Saturday morning at Puerto Rico Avenue and 9th Street by Alamogordo Police Department officers including Anthony Ferguson. The driver did not stop for officers and attempted to flee.
The team of Anthony Ferguson did not pursue the vehicle, but it was shortly found when it was involved in a crash near First Street and Delaware Avenue.
Officers spotted a man, later identified as Dominic De La O, fleeing the area on foot.
Officers gave chase and fired shots.
Officer Anthony Ferguson was taken to Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center in Alamogordo before being flown to the University Medical Center of El Paso, where he passed away.
The culprit was shot, but his injuries were not life-threatening, and he was apprehended.
De La O, 26, of Alamogordo, has been charged with first-degree murder attempt, aggravated battery on a police officer with a deadly weapon, tampering with evidence, aggravated fleeing of a police officer, resisting and evading a police officer, criminal trespass, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, and reckless driving, according to New Mexico State Police.
Officer Anthony Ferguson worked as a field training officer in the Patrol Division. His mother, father, four brothers, his daughter, and his son survive him.
“He (Anthony Ferguson) was loved and admired by Alamogordo residents and officers alike,” Alamogordo Police said in a statement. “We would appreciate it if the family’s privacy could be respected at this time.”
New Mexico State Police are still investigating the incident.
At 11 a.m., Alamogordo Police Chief David Kunihiro will hold a press conference. Monday, July 17, at 700 Virginia Ave., Alamogordo Police Department.