The fatal shooting of a New Mexico State Police officer Thursday led to a high-speed chase that ended in a shootout with the suspect.
State Police said Officer Darian Jarrott was killed on Interstate 10 near the town of Akela in Luna County, about 70 miles northwest of El Paso, Texas.
Jarrott, 28, initiated a traffic stop of a white pickup truck while "assisting Homeland Security Investigations," according to NMSP chief Robert Thornton in a press conference late Thursday.
The driver of the truck, identified by police as Omar Felix Cueva, 39, shot and killed Jarrott before heading east on the interstate toward Las Cruces.
Police said they intercepted Cueva approximately 15 miles from the fatal shooting, where Cueva pulled over and fired at responding officers. Gunfire was exchanged before Cueva fled again.
Law enforcement from multiple departments gave chase, Thornton said, including officers from NMSP, US Border Patrol, Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office and Las Cruces Police Department.
As Cueva entered Las Cruces, police deployed spike strips to damage the truck's tires.
According to Thornton, a Las Cruces officer also executed a Pursuit Intervention Technique to force the truck sideways.
The video showed a Las Cruces police cruiser shoving the truck off of the road. After the truck slides to a halt, Cueva is seen emerging from the vehicle and pointing a firearm at police amid sounds of gunfire.
One officer is seen crouching behind the police vehicle closest to the truck.
The gunfire continues until police approach the truck as Cueva appears motionless next to the vehicle.
State Police confirmed that Cueva was shot at least once and died on the scene.
One Las Cruces officer was injured in the shooting, but police said the officer was treated at an area hospital and released.
Jarrott began his career as a transportation inspector with the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.
He was sworn in as a NMSP officer in July 2015.Jarrott is survived by three young children, with a fourth expected this year, according to NMSP chief Thornton.
"We're here to honor Officer Darian Jarrett, for his sacrifice and what he's done for this community and done for this state," Thornton said, sharing that one of Jarrott's captains described the officer as the "nicest guy he ever met, that always had a smile on his face."
Latest Stories
-
Manchester United lose 3-0 at home to Bournemouth yet again
2 minutes -
CHAN 2024Q: ‘It’s still an open game’ – Didi on Ghana’s draw with Nigeria
10 minutes -
CHAN 2024Q: Ghana’s Black Galaxies held by Nigeria in first-leg tie
1 hour -
Dr Nduom hopeful defunct GN bank will be restored under Mahama administration
2 hours -
Bridget Bonnie celebrates NDC Victory, champions hope for women and youth
2 hours -
Shamima Muslim urges youth to lead Ghana’s renewal at 18Plus4NDC anniversary
3 hours -
Akufo-Addo condemns post-election violence, blames NDC
3 hours -
DAMC, Free Food Company, to distribute 10,000 packs of food to street kids
4 hours -
Kwame Boafo Akuffo: Court ruling on re-collation flawed
5 hours -
Samuel Yaw Adusei: The strategist behind NDC’s electoral security in Ashanti region
5 hours -
I’m confident posterity will judge my performance well – Akufo-Addo
5 hours -
Syria’s minorities seek security as country charts new future
5 hours -
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo re-appointed as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana
6 hours -
German police probe market attack security and warnings
6 hours -
Grief and anger in Magdeburg after Christmas market attack
6 hours