Alamogordo, NM – On July 15, 2023, at about 2:18 a.m., officers from the Alamogordo Police Department initiated a traffic stop near Puerto Rico and 9th Street in Alamogordo. The driver, Dominic De La O, 27, fled from law enforcement and crashed into a light pole. He then exited the vehicle with a sawed-off shotgun, and a foot pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, De La O turned and fatally shot Officer Ferguson, who was airlifted to the University Medical Center, in El Paso, Texas, where he succumbed to his injuries on July 16, 2023

On November 8, 2024, after a week-long trial prosecuted by the 12th Judicial District Attorney's Office, a jury found De La O guilty of Murder in the 1st Degree, Tampering with Evidence, Aggravated Fleeing of a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting/Evading an Officer and Criminal Trespass. On November 12, 2024, De La O was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

"This tragic event has left an indelible mark on our law enforcement community, and our hearts continue to go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Tony Ferguson. His bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten," remarked Troy Weisler, Chief of the New Mexico State Police. "The conviction and sentencing of the person responsible for this senseless murder brings some measure of justice, but it will never replace the loss of Officer Ferguson. The New Mexico State Police will continue to work with all our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who harm our officers are held accountable to the full extent of the law."

This incident was investigated by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau out of Alamogordo, New Mexico. If you have additional questions, please contact the 12th Judicial District Attorney's Office in Alamogordo.