'We just lost a great soul': Hundreds pay respects to Bloomfield police officer killed in the line of duty

BLOOMFIELD — People from across New Mexico and the country congregated at Bobcat Stadium in Bloomfield on Monday to say goodbye to fallen police officer Timothy Ontiveros, who was fatally shot in the line of duty last month.

Some donned their uniforms and black outfits, while others wore cowboy boots and Bloomfield High School Bobcats football jerseys as they remembered the man who loved to serve others, ride his motorcycle and talk local football.

At about 9 a.m., the sound of sirens roared as police SUVs and motorcycles escorted the hearse carrying Ontiveros’ body down U.S. 550 then East Pine Avenue for the funeral service. As they entered the school parking lot, they rode by Bloomfield High School senior running back Lito Hutchens.

“He would always look at my faults and give me a way to correct them,” Hutchens said.

Hutchens said he remembered a recent conversation with Ontiveros, who told him he was proud of the football team for taking home the New Mexico Class 4A state championship last season, and how he was hoping “we could bring in another.”

“We lost a great man, not only a man, a great father figure,” he said. “He was very respected and well-known. He was loved by everybody. And I think overall, we just lost a great soul in this community.”

Behind the hearse were dozens and dozens of law enforcement vehicles from across the state and country, including the Navajo Nation Police Department.

Navajo Nation police officer Izzac Larry, who attended trainings with Ontiveros, said he will “remember his grit, his determination and enthusiasm for the job.”

At about 10:55 p.m., May 26, Ontiveros pulled over Dennis Armenta, 58, for a traffic violation near North Jordan Street and U.S. 64. Armenta refused to roll down his window or provide identification to Ontiveros, Bloomfield Police Department Chief Phillip Francisco said.

Minutes later, after officers broke the window to take him into custody, Armenta shot Ontiveros with a handgun. A second officer then shot and killed Armenta.

Ontiveros, 32, died as a result of his injuries on June 1 at University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque.

He served with respect and left with honor, Francisco said on Monday

While there were officers at the service who never met Ontiveros, Larry said, “when something like this happens, we’re all brothers and sisters” and “we want to show you’re in our thoughts, and we want to show up with you guys.”

Inside the stadium, the hearse parked underneath a hoisted American flag as San Juan County emergency vehicles were in the end zone.

Ontiveros had served with Bloomfield police since December, after previously working for Farmington police. He was also a volunteer firefighter with the Aztec Fire Department.

Deidre Bryan remembered her neighbor as a “super sweet” man with a big smile and heart. Before her grandmother died, Bryan said, he would help her grandmother, who was battling dementia.

“He was always there with her,” Bryan said.

After the service, Ontiveros’ best friend Seth Collins stood by the 2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Ontiveros bought in Durango, Colorado, a month ago.

“He had to have it because it has the three wise men and Jesus’ star (Star of Bethlehem) on top,” Collins said.

Collins invited his family to pose with him on the bike that was given to him.

“I wish I could say more,” he said, “I’m just choked up, sorry.”

Another service for Ontiveros is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church, 504 S. Alice Ave. in Monahans, Texas, his hometown.