Las Cruces man killed in officer-involved shooting in T or C

A Las Cruces man wanted for a probation violation in Arizona for sexual assault was killed during a traffic stop outside of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico State Police report.

Dennis Ritchie Jones, 75, was allegedly shot by a New Mexico State Police officer and was pronounced dead on the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.

A NMSP officer conducted a traffic stop at 12:09 p.m., on Tuesday, May 6^th, on a white GMC pickup truck driven by Jones, according to state police. According to Troy Weisler, chief of New Mexico State Police, the officer stopped Jones because he believed Jones to have an active arrest warrant.

During the traffic stop, an altercation between the officer and Jones began, the state police said through a press release. During the altercation, the officer fired at least one round from his duty-issued pistol in Jones’ direction, according to state police.

Jones fled in his car and a pursuit began on NM Highway 181, according to the press release. Jones stopped the car in the middle of High Winds Road near the intersection with NM Highway 181 outside of T or C. The officer gave commands to Jones, who then fired on the officer, according to the press release. The officer allegedly returned fire with his duty issued rifle.

After the exchange of gunfire, officers approached the vehicle and found Jones unresponsive. The officer was not harmed, according to the press release.

The identity of the officer is not being released but the officer has been placed on standard administrative leave while the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau investigates the shooting.

Weisler said the NMSP would release more details about the shooting as they become available.

The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is investigating the shooting because it involves a New Mexico State Police officer, according to the press release.