Man Accused of Trying to Kill a Rocky Ford Police Officer, in Court

When Rocky Ford Police arrested Adam Apodaca December 24th, they had probable cause to arrest him on charges of False Imprisonment, Harassment and Child Abuse pertaining to domestic violence according to a news release from the Rocky Ford Police Department.

The 22-year-old Apodaca was in District court in Otero County Thursday to learn that the court had received nine counts total. They are as follows:

COUNT 1: CRIMINAL ATTEMPT TO COMMIT MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE, C.R.S. 18-3-102(1)(d);18-3-107;18-2-101 (F2){01065A}

COUNT 2: ASSAULT IN THE FIRST DEGREE, C.R.S. 18-3-202(1)(e) (F3){0201B}

COUNT 3: ASSAULT IN THE FIRST DEGREE, C.R.S. 18-3-202(1)(c) (F3){02015}

COUNT 4: CRIMINAL ATTEMPT TO COMMIT DISARMING A PEACE OFFICER, C.R.S. 18-8-116;18-2-101 (F6){22141A}

COUNT 5: RESISTING ARREST, C.R.S. 18-8-103 (M2){22023}

COUNT 6: FALSE IMPRISONMENT, C.R.S. 18-3-303 (M2){03036}

COUNT 7: FALSE IMPRISONMENT, C.R.S. 18-3-303 (M2){03036}

COUNT 8: CHILD ABUSE, C.R.S. 18-6-401(1),(7)(b)(I) (M2){1701X}

COUNT 9: HARASSMENT, C.R.S. 18-9-111(1)(a) (M1){27311} DATE FILED

December 26, 2024

Attorney Jason Bachlet from the 16th Judicial District Attorney's office also made a motion that another victim be added to a protection order on Apodaca that was already in place.

According to information released from the Rocky Ford Police department police were sent to a home in the 900 block of Locust Avenue on a domestic violence disturbance on the evening of December 23rd, 2024. While trying to take Apodaca into custody, the news release states that "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.

An arrest warrant was issued and Apodaca was taken to the Bent County Jail on the additional charges with no bond.

The Rocky Ford Police department expressed gratitude for help in the arrest and investigation, the La Junta Police Department, Otero County Sheriff's Office along with Rocky Ford Fire and EMS.

RFPD also reminds the public that the information in the news 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.

Apodaca is represented by Attorney Alex Egri. The next court appearance for Apodaca will be a Pre-Trial Conference and is set for February 6th at 8:30 AM in District Judge Samuel Vigil's courtroom.

We will continue to follow this story.

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