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Farmington police have identified a 46-year-old man who was struck and killed by an officer Tuesday morning. 

Ernest Begay, 46, was pronounced dead after officer Jasmine Hernandez hit him while she searched for a suspect.

"The Farmington Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Ernest during this difficult time," said FPD spokesperson Shanice Gonzales in a Wednesday news release.

Officers were in the area of Broadway and Butler around 12:15 a.m. Tuesday, "making contact with a group of individuals," Gonzales said. A person fled on a bicycle and police went to look for them, she said.

Gonzales did not say why police pursued the person or why they initially stopped to speak with the group.

Begay was lying in the road and "appeared to be incapacitated" as Hernandez drove west on Broadway searching for the person who fled, Gonzales said.

"Officer Hernandez did not see Mr. Begay in the roadway and struck him with her patrol vehicle," Gonzales said. 

Video taken from a nearby business and released by the department showed Begay lying in the middle of the road. Hernandez's patrol vehicle can be seen striking Begay. Her patrol vehicle's emergency lights were not activated at the time of the crash.

Another officer following Hernandez nearly struck Begay before the officer swerved to the side, narrowly missing him, according to camera footage.

Moments later, footage showed the patrol vehicle pull over before its lights were turned on.

Prior to the crash, footage showed a truck swerve around Begay's body and into the oncoming traffic lane to avoid him.

"At this time, the investigation has determined that Officer Hernandez's vehicle was the only vehicle involved in the incident," Gonzales said.

Hernandez was placed on administrative assignment while the San Juan County Sheriff鈥檚 Office investigates.

Nakayla McClelland covers crime and breaking news. Reach her at nmcclelland@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3857.