LAGUNA, N.M. — A New Mexico state police officer who was shot in the hand during a traffic stop tracked, pursued and arrested the suspect while she was injured.
Recently released video shows Officer Sharron Duran pull over a truck for tailgating Sept. 12. As she approached the vehicle driver Robert Nelson fired three shots, KRQE reported.
Duran fired back. She was hit in the hand, and later it was discovered her flak jacket stopped another bullet that hit her in the chest.
“I fell back because he hit me,” she said. “I aimed at the headrest and started to fire my weapon.”
Nelson fled and Duran pulled him over a few miles later, this time keeping her distance.
“I want you to walk towards me with your hands up,” she can be heard yelling in the video. “You move, I will (expletive) shoot.”
Other officers arrive and take Nelson into custody. Officers found a gun along with a cat in a crate during a search of the truck. Nelson, who has no criminal history or warrants, offered no explanation for why he opened fire.
Nelson was following behind his parents who were moving when he was pulled over.
“I’m just thankful the officer is OK,” Nelson’s father said, KRQE reported. “Stupid, stupid kid.”
Nelson was arrested and charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery on a peace officer, shooting from a motor vehicle and resisting arrest, officials said. Because Duran is also a commissioned Federal Task Force Officer, Nelson was charged with attempted murder of a federal officer and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
UPDATE: New Mexico State Police Officer Shot in an Unprovoked Attack on Interstate 40. This update identifies the officer involved and gives additional details about the incident.https://t.co/DiqmdRMv1h https://t.co/N6AHiDSLFs
— NMSP (@NMStatePolice) September 25, 2020
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