A Farmington driver is accused of leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed pursuit that allegedly exceeded 100 miles per hour before ending near a local bank, according to court records. An affidavit for arrest warrant filed in San Juan County Magistrate Court charges David Abelino Lobato with aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer, reckless driving and other traffic offenses. Authorities allege the vehicle continued westbound at extreme speeds despite emergency lights and sirens.

What Court Records Allege

Deputy Attempts Traffic Stop on US 64

According to the affidavit, shortly after midnight on Jan. 20, 2026, a San Juan County deputy was patrolling west on U.S. 64 near Andrea Drive when a red Chevrolet Camaro passed at what the deputy described as an extremely high rate of speed. The deputy initiated emergency lights and sirens in an attempt to conduct a traffic stop.

The affidavit states the Camaro briefly appeared to brake but then accelerated and gained significant distance. The deputy reported reaching approximately 90 miles per hour while attempting to catch up, but the vehicle continued pulling away westbound on Bloomfield Highway. Due to safety concerns related to the high speed, the deputy eventually lost sight of the vehicle and discontinued the pursuit.

State Police Observe Orange Camaro Exceeding 100 MPH

New Mexico State Police Officer Dominic Detsoi reported that around 12:04 a.m., he observed an orange-colored Chevrolet Camaro traveling westbound at a high rate of speed near South Butler Avenue and Murray Drive, according to the affidavit. The officer activated his emergency lights, and the vehicle allegedly passed him and continued westbound at approximately 100 miles per hour.

The affidavit states the officer was traveling 70 miles per hour while attempting to catch up, yet the Camaro continued to increase distance. The vehicle allegedly drove through intersections, including near Miller Street and Murray Drive, and passed other motorists at high speed. Based on the officer’s training and experience, he wrote that the speed posed a serious risk of a crash that could result in injury or death.

Traffic Stop Conducted Near Citizens’ Bank

According to the affidavit, Farmington Police Officer Ahlgrim located the Camaro and conducted a traffic stop near the Citizens’ Bank at Main Street and Auburn Avenue. Officers identified the driver as David Lobato.

Records state Lobato was advised of his constitutional rights and agreed to speak with officers. He allegedly told officers he was focused on getting to his sister’s residence because she was “acting up” and that he wanted to “defuse” the situation due to her history of getting upset and throwing things. The affidavit states Lobato acknowledged he did not believe his driving was acceptable when asked if the manner in which he was driving was appropriate.

Speed Allegations in 35 MPH Zone and Equipment Violation

The affidavit alleges the area near Murray Drive and South Butler Avenue is a 35 mile-per-hour zone and that the Camaro was traveling well above the posted limit. One officer reported the vehicle was exceeding 36 miles per hour over the speed limit, forming the basis of the speeding charge listed in the filing.

The document also states the Camaro was missing a required left headlamp when observed by law enforcement. After the stop, Lobato was placed under arrest and transported to the San Juan County Detention Center, where he was booked on the charges listed in the warrant.

Charges Filed

• Aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer (no injury or great bodily harm), a fourth-degree felony under NMSA 1978, § 30-22-1.1(A)
• Reckless driving, a misdemeanor under NMSA 1978, § 66-8-113
• Speeding (36 miles per hour or more over the limit), under NMSA 1978, § 66-7-301
• Operating a vehicle without required headlamps, under NMSA 1978, § 66-3-804

Under New Mexico law, a fourth-degree felony is punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. The charges are allegations that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

The filing follows a recent Farmington case involving a reported stolen vehicle and firearm, according to court records in that matter.

Case Status

The affidavit states the case was cleared by arrest and referred to the district attorney’s office for review. Information regarding bond conditions, custody status or upcoming court dates was not included in the court filing reviewed for this report.

Source

This report is based on an affidavit for arrest warrant filed Feb. 16, 2026, in San Juan County Magistrate Court. The affidavit was sworn by a New Mexico State Police patrolman.

All persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges are allegations and do not constitute evidence of guilt.