Tragic end to traffic stop: Bloomfield officer gunned down in line of duty (New Mexico)

The Piñon Post ^ | June 1, 2025 | Piñon Post staff

[CedarDave]

Officer Timothy Ontiveros of the Bloomfield Police Department has died from injuries sustained during a violent encounter earlier in the week. The incident occurred during a traffic stop, where Ontiveros was shot in the neck and shoulder by 58-year-old Dennis Armenta. A fellow officer returned fire, fatally shooting Armenta.

Ontiveros was transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital following the shooting, where he underwent extensive treatment. Despite the efforts of medical staff and support from his fellow officers, Ontiveros succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.

“We’re really sad and disheartened on the current events that happened with Officer Ontiveros’s injuries,” said Bloomfield Police Chief Phillip Francisco. “A valiant effort was made to bring him back and recover from his injuries, but unfortunately, he lost that battle today.”

Chief Francisco remembered Ontiveros as a respected member of the department, though he had only been with Bloomfield PD since December 2024. “He was a very likeable person. He was very calm, very approachable… in that time, he got accommodations from citizens about his demeanor, how professional and approachable he was,” Francisco said.

Before joining Bloomfield PD, Ontiveros served with the Farmington Police Department and had volunteered as a firefighter with the Aztec Fire Department since 2017.

[CedarDave]

Just damn, another LEO dead in the line of duty. Thoughts and prayers for his family.

The ABQ Journal reported after being taken off life support, Ontiveros’ kidneys and liver were donated to three people.

'A real inspiration': Fallen Bloomfield officer donates organs to three people

[lightman]

Line of Duty Death ping.

FReepmail me to be added to the Line of Duty Death ping list.

[CedarDave]

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[crusty old prospector]

I ate at the Blake’s Lottaburger in Bloomfield a few months ago. Sad. RIP.