September 22, 2023 Deputy Involved Shooting Update

San Juan County, NM - On September 18, 2023, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home invasion at a residence west of Bloomfield. The victim, a 76-year-old female, reported that a male with long hair knocked on her door. He stated he was sick and asked her for a ride. She refused and closed the door. The male gained entry into the home and pushed his way into the room she was in. The suspect forced her to give him the keys to her vehicle and drove away in the stolen vehicle.  SJCSO detectives were notified and began investigating the case.

On September 19, 2023, the victim’s vehicle was located by the Farmington Police Department and the driver was detained. The driver told SJCSO detectives that he obtained the vehicle from an individual he knew as, “Raider”. Raider was determined to be Abel Soto and was a felon believed to be in possession of a firearm. Further investigation identified Johnny Maestas as a possible suspect in the home invasion based on his description of long hair. Soto and Maestas were also known to be associates. Detectives learned that a residence at 1234 Aztec Blvd was a possible location for Johnny Maestas.

On September 22, 2023, at approximately 2pm, SJCSO detectives attempted to contact Maestas at the residence on Aztec Blvd and recognized Abel Soto as the male who answered the door. Soto closed the door and refused to cooperate. Based on the stolen auto investigation and felon in possession of a firearm concern, a search warrant was secured, and additional detectives and deputies responded to surround the residence. While trying to call Soto out of the residence, Soto made threats to fight with police and blow up the mobile home he was in.

Soto was coaxed out of the home and, when approached by law enforcement, he brandished a knife. Multiple less lethal bean bag rounds were fired.  Soto refused to drop the knife and began advancing in the direction of deputies, at which time two deputies discharged at least one round from their firearms. Soto was hit once, was provided immediate medical treatment, and was flown to Albuquerque for medical care. He was released from the hospital in the early morning hours of September 23^rd and was booked into jail in Bernalillo County, New Mexico.

It was determined that Johnny Maestas had left the residence before detectives arrived on September 22 but was apprehended at the same residence on October 2, 2023.  In his interview, Maestas admitted to entering the elderly victim’s home and obtaining her vehicle by force. Maestas also admitted to providing the stolen vehicle to Soto.

For the incident on September 22, Abel Soto is being charged with Aggravated Assault upon a Peace Officer with a deadly weapon (3^rd degree felony).  For the incident on September 19, Johnny Maestas is being charged with Aggravated Burglary (2^nd degree felony), Robbery (3^rd degree felony), Burglary of a Vehicle (4^th degree felony), and Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle (1^st offense)(4^th degree felony).  Both Soto and Maestas will remain in custody until their hearing.

Statement from Sheriff Ferrari:

“Maestas & Soto have extensive criminal histories to include crimes of violence spanning over several years. Our patrol and detective division worked tirelessly to locate and arrest both suspects who have been praying on our community. Soto was given many opportunities to peacefully surrender but chose to threaten our deputies’ safety. After less lethal options used were ineffective, we had no other choice but to use deadly force. This adds to Soto’s long list of poor life decisions. I want to thank our deputies for putting their safety at risk while safeguarding our community”.  

This ongoing criminal investigation is conducted by the San Juan County Regional Officer Involved Shooting Task Force which will be reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office.  The incident is also subject to an internal investigation for compliance with SJCSO policy standards.  Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Farmington Police Department, the primary investigating agency, at 505-599-1068.

All arrests are public record in the state of New Mexico and all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The incident remains under investigation, and further information will be provided as it becomes available.