Last night, Monday, August 19, at approximately 7:32 PM, an officer from the New Mexico State Police in District 10 (Farmington) attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. When the officer pulled in behind the black Chrysler 300, the driver exited the Chrysler and appeared to be armed with an AR-style rifle. According to the New Mexico State Police (NMSP), the driver, Fernando Silva, 40, allegedly fired 50 rounds at the NMSP officer. The officer was able to retreat to safety, but his patrol unit was struck several times. Fortunately, the officer was uninjured. The NMSP officer tried to pursue Silva, but rifle rounds disabled his patrol unit.
The NMSP, along with federal partners and local law enforcement, held a press conference at 2:30 PM to request help in locating Silva. Silva has a criminal history and he had an active misdemeanor warrant for resisting arrest from January. As a result of this heinous incident, the NMSP has issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault on a peace officer with a deadly weapon, shooting at or from a motor vehicle, and aggravated fleeing from a law enforcement officer (x2). The NMSP Chief Troy Weisler stated that the attempted second-degree murder charge carries an enhanced penalty, which was recently passed during the last legislative session.
During the press conference, Chief Weisler encouraged Silva to surrender and urged anyone who may know Silva’s whereabouts to contact the police. He also warned that those who harbor or aid Silva could face punishment for aiding and abetting a fugitive.
Chief Weisler implored the public for their assistance but cautioned against attempting to apprehend Silva on their own because “as we have seen, he is extremely dangerous.” He stated, “This horrific behavior has to stop… the individuals carrying out these acts should feel the full wrath of the criminal justice system.” He added, “An assault on law enforcement is an assault on the community.”
When asked if he knew where Silva might go, Chief Weisler mentioned that Silva has ties to the Four Corners area. As a result, he might be in that vicinity. San Juan County law enforcement is familiar with Silva, as he had an encounter with them earlier this year, during which he was also armed.
Chief Weisler also reflected on the premeditated attacks on law enforcement and noted the similarities between this ambush and the attack on Officer Justin Hare. When the Chief was asked how the officer was doing, he said “luckily the officer is uninjured, the officer seems to be doing well, his family seems to be doing well, but it obviously is a very traumatic situation, and something he might be dealing with for a while.”
Chief Weisler expressed his gratitude to local law enforcement partners in the Four Corners area. Chief Weisler also thanked the federal agencies assisting in the search, including the United States Marshals Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
UPDATE:
Just before 5:00 PM, the New Mexico State Police announced that Fernando Leon Silva was apprehended. The announcement states:
“Thanks to the swift and coordinated efforts of the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Marshals Service, and the New Mexico State Police, Silva is now in custody.”
It is unknown which agency apprehended Silva, or where exactly he was located. If we learn more, we will update you.
You can read our previous story on Silva, here.
