ALAMOGORDO, N.M. — A man who fled from a traffic stop in New Mexico and fatally shot a police officer has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The sentence was handed down this week after Dominic De La O, 27, was found guilty of first-degree murder among other charges for his role in the death of Officer Anthony Ferguson, who had served the Alamogordo Police Department for 11 years. This tragic incident occurred in July 2023.

The verdict and sentencing were confirmed by the New Mexico State Police, who conducted the investigation into the shooting. “While the conviction of the individual responsible for this tragic and senseless act provides some level of justice, it cannot bring back Officer Ferguson,” stated Police Chief Troy Weisler in a press release regarding the case.

The events leading up to the Officer Ferguson’s death took place on July 15, 2023, during a pre-dawn traffic stop. After being pulled over for driving without headlights, De La O initiated a police pursuit, which ended when he crashed into a light pole. Despite the crash, he managed to flee from the scene armed with a sawed-off shotgun. According to the police report, while fleeing from the officers, De La O fired at Ferguson. Police returned fire and managed to shoot De La O in the leg as he fled to a nearby residence, where he was later apprehended.

Officer Ferguson suffered critical injuries during the incident and ultimately succumbed to his wounds the following day. The community has been mourning the loss of a dedicated officer who served with honor, and the sentencing marks a severe consequence for the actions that resulted in such a profound loss.