Man Arrested after School Threat

No weapons were located on the suspect and he was arrested and charged with assault upon a school employee, unlawful shooting threats, disorderly conduct, and interference with members of staff or the general public.

From Farmington Police:

Friday, August 22, 2025

On August 21, 2025, at approximately 9:15 a.m., Farmington Police officers were dispatched to McKinley Elementary School after staff reported an adult male, identified as Ernest Begay Jr.(45), threatened to shoot a teacher at the school’s front entrance. The school immediately went into lockdown.

No weapons were located on Mr. Begay. He was arrested and charged with assault upon a school employee, unlawful shooting threats, disorderly conduct, and interference with members of staff or the general public.

The Farmington Police Department commends the quick actions of school staff to ensure the safety of students and employees.

 

More from Local News

  • KSJE to Livestream Balloon Rally Ascensions

    For those unable to attend in person, KSJE will provide expansive live event coverage. Spectators can tune into KSJE’s live morning launch streaming broadcasts on Facebook and YouTube, bringing the excitement of the mass ascensions directly to viewers across the Four Corners region.

  • Three Die in Newcomb area Flood

    Two adults and a juvenile were found to have drowned and were pronounced deceased. The incident remains under investigation.

  • Assault Suspect Fatally Shot in Kirtland

    Deputies made multiple commands to stop and drop the knife, however, the suspect ignored the commands and continued moving towards the deputies with the knife. A deputy discharged his sidearm, striking the suspect. Immediate life-saving aid was rendered to the suspect, but he ultimately died at the scene. The Farmington Police Department is leading the investigation.

  • Former Dallas Cowboy Shiyazh Pete visits Alma Mater: Shiprock High School

    Shiyazh Pete went on from Shiprock High to play college football at New Mexico State University and the University of Kentucky before signing and training with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. He returned to Shiprock High School to share what he learned along the way and to encourage Chieftain students and athletes as they begin a new season.

  • Judge: SunRay Can't Move Horse Racing & Casino to Clovis

    In February, San Juan County Commissioners voted to seek judicial review of the New Mexico Racing Commission’s decision to authorize Western Gaming to move its racing license to Clovis, NM. The Racing Commission’s decision, at the request of Western Gaming, would have ended San Juan County’s long heritage of horse racing at a county-owned facility.

  • Ground Broken for new STEAM Education Building at Navajo Prep

    The new Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Facility will provide expanded space for Navajo Prep’s International Baccalaureate program and career-focused pathways.

On KSJE Now:

KSJE Radio App

Get the KSJE Radio App

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 81°F | Low: 54°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 75°F | Low: 46°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 84°F | Low: 55°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 82°F | Low: 52°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Thundershower

    High: 77°F | Low: 54°F