RFPD Officer Injured in Domestic Arrest, Suspect in Custody on Attempted Murder of a Police Officer

Description: According to the Rocky Ford Police, Adam Apodaca was apprehended and booked into the Bent County Jail with no bond on additional charges, including Attempted First-Degree Murder of a Peace Officer and First-Degree Assault on a Peace Officer. He was advised of his charges by Judge Deni Eiring, with bond set at $20,000 cash or surety. All Parties Considered Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law...

December 24th, 2024 - Rocky Ford Police Department - Rocky Ford, CO

On December 23rd, 2024 at approximately 23:53pm, The Rocky Ford Police Department was dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of Locust Ave regarding a domestic disturbance.

During the investigation, probable cause was established to arrest Adam Apodaca a 22 year old male from Rocky Ford, on the charges of False Imprisonment, Harassment and Child abuse all pertaining to domestic violence.

While attempting to place Adam into custody,  Adam violently attacked the officer who was later transported to Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center for medical treatment. The officer was diagnosed with a skull fracture and severe facial injuries. 

The officer is identified as Mark Montano who has been with the Rocky Ford Police Department since January 2024. Officer Montano was released from the hospital and is recovering at home with his family.

An arrest warrant was issued and Adam was later taken into custody and booked into the Bent County Jail on the additional charges with no bond: Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder in the 1st Degree of a Peace Officer, 18-3-202(1)(a) C.R.S, First Degree Assault on a Peace Officer, 18-3-202(1)(e) C.R.S., Resisting Arrest, 18-8-103(1)(a) C.R.S., False Imprisonment, 18-3-303 C.R.S. and Criminal Attempt to Disarm a Peace Officer, 18-8-116(1) C.R.S.  

Adam was advised of the charges this afternoon by Judge Deni Eiring and bond was set at $20,000 cash or surety. As of this writing, Adam is still in custody at the Bent County Jail.

We deeply appreciate the response and assistance with this investigation from the La Junta Police Department, Otero County Sheriff's Office along with Rocky Ford Fire and EMS.

If you have any information regarding the incident please contact the Rocky Ford Police Department at (719) 254-3344.

***All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in court.*** A booking photo of Adam is attached courtesy of the Bent County Jail. 

The information contained in this press release is based on preliminary information available at the time of its drafting. The Rocky Ford Police Department’s understanding of this incident may change as additional evidence is collected, analyzed, and reviewed. This press release is to provide timely information to the public. In consideration of the foregoing, please be advised that any statements expressed herein are subject to change at any time. No further information will be released regarding this incident to protect the integrity of the investigation.

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