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.
Officials confirmed Ontiveros will be transferred to the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. Funeral details have not yet been finalized.
In a statement, the New Mexico Department of Public Safety expressed its condolences:
“It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Officer Timothy Ontiveros of the Bloomfield Police Department… Officer Ontiveros has fought with extraordinary courage, supported by tireless medical professionals at UNMH and steadfastly watched over by members of the New Mexico State Police.
Our deepest condolences go out to Officer Ontiveros’s family, friends, and loved ones. We also stand in solidarity with the Bloomfield Police Department and the entire Bloomfield community during this incredibly painful time. Officer Ontiveros served with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others. His bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The Department reaffirmed its support for Ontiveros’s loved ones and the Bloomfield community, pledging to honor his service and memory.
According to a Facebook post from the Bloomfield Police Department, the suspect has a violent and bloody past and was released back onto the streets to cause havoc, including:
– **Date: 04-25-2023** – Aggravated Assault (Armed with an Axe), FPD Case #2023-22851
– **Date: 01-03-2021** – Resisting/Obstructing an Officer, FPD Case #2021-397
– **Date: 08-31-2013** – DWI, BPD Case #2013-7607
– **Date: 04-15-2025** – Threatening Hospital and Staff (SJRMC), FPD Case #2025-24198
– **Date: 08-22-2024** – Criminal Trespass, Concealing Identification, Obstructing an Officer, BPD #2024-8860
– **Date: 05-10-2012** – Criminal Trespass, Resisting Arrest, FPD Case #2021-24169
Amazing how these liberal courts will let these violent offenders out with a slap on the wrist. When is the public going to wake up? Maybe it will take a politician’s family to be affected?
RIP Officer Ontiveros
the violence has intensified since 2000. the public is not waking up. even in NYC they still vote democrat every time as the streets are filled with trash rats and crime. dems unable to reason and use logic and their eyes to guide behavior.
Encourage people to vote…and never vote Democrat again.
Until the mindset of the Democratic establishment is changed it will continue to be the same vile mentality.
The record of the criminal speaks for itself. I have lost respect for our judicial system and the judges in New Mexico.
May our Heavenly Father hold Officer Ontiveros close to His sacred heart.
Amen RMG!
We vote the people in that release dangerous criminals. Maybe we should look up the judges background in stead of looking for a hispanic name or at the party they represent. I have generally if they are a democrat they are for releasing folks. It is usually because they are funded by George Soros and his ilk which want to destroy our country. I say everyone that can legally vote needs to vote but only if they are making a deformed decision. Sometimes I do not vote on things that I could not get a clear idea of what they are pushing for, Remember the democrats call killing unborn children “reproductive rights”. our state labels things on the ballots the same way because the do not want you to know what you are voting for.
New Mexicans need to change the way they vote, plain and simple. The party in power has not served the needs of this state. Our brave law enforcement personnel are the targets of the brutal criminal element within our state that are lawless and unchecked and face very little consequences from the courts. I have no words to express my utter sadness for the family and co-workers of this fine officer.
It is a shame that many of our officers have had their careers and lives ended by the violent criminals that are released back into society with barely a slap on the hand. The voters need to see the records of the lib/dem judges and politicians that seem to prefer criminals over honest, hardworking New Mexicans. The only way to make changes that benefit good people is to replace the politicians that make the laws that seem to cater to criminal elements. Nearly all those that are of that belief system are Democrats. remember this when you vote.