An Alamogordo police officer succumbed to injuries sustained during a confrontation with a suspect early Saturday. Officer Anthony Ferguson, a dedicated 11-year veteran of the force, was airlifted to a trauma center in critical condition after being shot in the face with what authorities described as a sawed-off shotgun. He tragically passed away late Sunday.

The suspect, 26-year-old Dominic De La O, was initially apprehended and charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery on a police officer. With Officer Ferguson's passing, these charges are expected to be upgraded. District Attorney Scot Key confirmed that De La O was already held without bond due to a previous felony drug case, ensuring his continued detention. The case is slated to be presented to a grand jury next week, with first-degree murder charges anticipated.

This incident follows a prior arrest of De La O in January for allegedly brandishing a firearm during an altercation with officers, during which he was shot by Alamogordo police. Furthermore, an arrest warrant had been issued just last Wednesday for De La O due to alleged violations of his release conditions, stemming from his presence at a party where a shooting took place. Legal representation for De La O will be handled by public defender Raymond Conley.

The Saturday incident began when officers attempted a traffic stop of De La O's vehicle, which was reportedly operating without headlights or taillights. De La O allegedly fled the scene, crashing into a light pole before engaging in a foot chase that culminated in the shooting. De La O also sustained a leg injury during the incident and was apprehended following medical treatment at a hospital.

In response to this tragedy, Alamogordo Mayor Susan Payne urged residents to advocate for a reassessment of New Mexico's bail reform laws with state legislators and the governor's office. Echoing this sentiment, Republican state senators emphasized the need for improvements within the criminal justice system. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed her condolences and stated that preventable violent crimes must be addressed. A procession honoring Officer Ferguson's service and sacrifice was held Monday evening, with community members gathering along city streets as his body was returned home, pausing in front of police headquarters as a tribute.