Farmington Police Department, New Mexico
End of Watch: Thursday, July 9, 1992
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: 1 year, 6 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 9, 1992
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Life in Prison
Officer Vickie Chavez was shot and killed while conducting a vacation check of a local residence at 11:15 am.
When she arrived at the house, the owner's son emerged from the residence with a shotgun and opened fire, shooting her before she had an opportunity to exit her patrol car.
The suspect was arrested 1 1/2 hours later, near the Colorado border. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Officer Chavez had served with the Farmington Police Department for 18 months. She is survived by her husband and two daughters.