A multi-state manhunt is over after Phoenix Police Department officers arrested a man wanted for shooting a Farmington, New Mexico police officer.
Elias Buck was arrested early this morning in Maricopa County, Arizona. Buck shot a Farmington police officer last Friday during a DUI investigation. A warrant was issued for his arrest on January 8 for charges of aggravated battery on a peace officer with a deadly weapon.
Just after midnight on January 14, a tip came into the Phoenix Police Department that Elias Buck and Victoria “Rossi” Hernandez were at a Quiktrip Convenience Store located at 8004 N. 27th Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona. Officers responded and located Buck, who attempted to flee, but was quickly detained. No officers were injured during his apprehension. Hernandez was released pending the ongoing investigation.
Buck escaped from a La Plata County jail on December 27 and shot and wounded FPD Officer Barreto on January 7.
Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe said, “This is the culmination of a very emotional week for FPD. We look forward to working closely with the district attorney as this case moves through the courts, so we can achieve our goals of holding all people involved in this incident accountable and keeping our citizens and officers safe.”
The investigation into this incident is ongoing.
The Farmington Police Department extended “a special thank you to the officers of the Phoenix Police Department who risked their safety to apprehend this dangerous criminal.”