12/12/2025
Please read the following press release from the Cibola County Sheriff’s Department concerning the annual Shop With A Cop and the cancellation of this years event.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: December 9, 2025
Cibola County Sheriff’s Office Cancels 2025 “Shop with a Cop” Event Due to Ongoing Safety Concerns
The Cibola County Sheriff’s Office announces the cancellation of this year’s Shop with a Cop event following a recent shooting incident in Grants involving a law enforcement officer. Based on preliminary information, the suspect in this case appears to be targeting law enforcement personnel, and the individual has not yet been apprehended.
Sheriff Larry D. Diaz stated that the safety of children, families, deputies, and first responders must remain the highest priority.
“Shop With a Cop is one of the most meaningful events of the year for our office,” said Sheriff Diaz. “However, with a potentially dangerous suspect still at large, we cannot put any child or participating officer at risk. This decision was made out of an abundance of caution.”
Each year, students are selected for the program by their respective schools. Although the in-person shopping event is canceled, the Sheriff’s Office will ensure that all selected students still receive their designated gift cards. Arrangements for distributing those gift cards will be coordinated directly with the schools.
The Sheriff’s Office expresses its disappointment in having to cancel such an important holiday tradition but emphasizes that community and child safety must come first.
“Once the situation is resolved and it is safe to do so, we look forward to bringing back Shop with a Cop stronger than ever next year,” Sheriff Diaz added.
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Cibola County Sheriff’s Office (505)876-2040 or (505)287-0350
