In a tragic incident over the weekend, a New Mexico police officer lost his life in the line of duty. Officer Anthony Ferguson, 41, succumbed to injuries sustained during a confrontation with a suspect in Alamogordo.

The incident began early Saturday morning when officers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by 26-year-old Dominic De La O. De La O was reportedly driving without headlights or taillights. He allegedly refused to comply with the officers' attempt to pull him over, leading to a pursuit. After crashing into a light pole, De La O fled on foot, ultimately engaging in a shootout with Officer Ferguson. During the exchange, Ferguson was tragically shot in the face with what authorities described as a sawed-off shotgun.

Officer Ferguson, an 11-year veteran of the Alamogordo Police Department, was critically wounded and passed away from his injuries the following day. He is survived by his parents, four brothers, a daughter, and a son.

De La O also sustained a leg wound during the shootout. He was treated at a hospital and subsequently taken into custody. He is currently held at the Otero County jail on multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery on a police officer with a deadly weapon. With Officer Ferguson's passing, these charges are expected to be upgraded.