Man dead in officer-involved shooting with New Mexico State Police in T or C
A NMSP officer pulled over a white GMC pickup truck being driven by 75-year-old Dennis Ritchie Jones, of Las Cruces, at about 12:09 p.m. A query ran on Jones' license plate showed he had an active arrest warrant for probation violation involving sexual assault out of Arizona.
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According to NMSP, an altercation ensued during the traffic stop. An officer fired in Jones' direction. Jones fled from the scene in his truck. A pursuit began on NM Highway 181 – north of Truth or Consequences.
An officer caught up to the vehicle stopped in the middle of High Winds Road. NMSP says an officer gave commands to Jones, who started firing at the officer. The officer returned fire. Jones was pronounced dead on the scene. The officer was not injured.
'The officer has been placed on standard administrative leave. New Mexico State Police act solely as factfinders in their investigation and conduct an unbiased and impartial investigation. In officer-involved shootings, NMSP thoroughly documents the scene, collects evidence, and interviews officers, subjects, and witnesses. In turn, NMSP compiles facts as detailed as possible and forwards all reports to the appropriate district attorney for their review. The New Mexico State Police does not determine whether an officer's actions were justified; this determination rests solely with the district attorney's office.' — New Mexico State Police
NMSP says the identity of the officer will not be released until interviews have been completed.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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