Woman Shot and Killed by Las Cruces Police Officer After She Tried to Evade
Posted on
October 27,2023
On October 3, 2023, at about 4:45 a.m., a Las Cruces police officer made contact with 45-year-old Teresa Gomez, along with a passenger, 38-year-old Jesus Garcia, in her vehicle, near the 1300 block of Burley Court. The Eight Year Veteran Officer asked Gomez to step out of the car so he could ask her questions which at first she denied before complying. Gomez told the officer she was at a public housing after hours visiting a friend named Butterfly. The officer then went on to explain that she was trespassing. The officer also noted Garcia in the car was also a frequent trespasser in the area. Gomez asks if she can sit back down in the car. The officer who was writing down the information said yes but instead Gomez started the car and tried to drive away. The Officer was dragged a few feet and after backing away from the car, the officer shot three rounds. Gomez was struck and she was taken to an area hospital where she died. Garcia was not injured. He was subsequently arrested on misdemeanor and felony warrants. Gomez's lawyer and family provided the following statement: The family alleges the officer was acting rude and belittling Gomez. They also claim Gomez sped away very slowly.
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