LCPD lieutenant stabbed during apprehension of rape suspect

The man suspected of sexually assaulting his roommate and stabbing a Las Cruces police lieutenant who assisted in the apprehension of the suspect has been charged with multiple felonies including attempted first-degree murder.

Edgar Sanchez, 26, of the 2200 N. Alameda Blvd., is charged with a second-degree felony count of attempted murder; third-degree felony counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and assault with intent to commit a violent felony; and fourth-degree felony counts of false imprisonment and criminal sexual contact. Sanchez is also charged with misdemeanor counts of battery and resisting, evading or obstructing an officer.

About 8:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9, Las Cruces police responded to a home on the 2200 block of north Alameda Boulevard where a woman claimed to have been sexually assaulted by Sanchez, her roommate of about two months. The woman escaped the home and met with responding officers. The suspect remained inside the mobile home.

Officers surrounded the home and tried to persuade the suspect, identified as Sanchez, to exit. At some point, Sanchez, armed with at least one knife, exited the home and tried to run from police. Las Cruces police deployed less-lethal munitions, bean-bag rounds, that were largely ineffective. Police also deployed a Taser that caused Sanchez to fall against a fence. A lieutenant with 20 years’ experience with LCPD moved to detain Sanchez who continued to be combative.

During the struggle with the lieutenant and several LCPD officers, Sanchez struck the lieutenant several times on his head, neck and upper torso. Investigators learned that one of those strikes to the lieutenant’s upper torso resulted in a stab wound above the officer’s vest and near his left armpit. The suspect was ultimately disarmed and taken into custody. Police located two additional knives in Sanchez’s possession.

Investigators learned on Sunday evening Sanchez made comments to the woman that he was going to sexually assault her. The woman took several precautions including arming herself with a knife. While the woman took a shower Monday morning, Sanchez allegedly forced his way into the bathroom for a moment before leaving.

The woman told investigators that, after she completed her shower and got dressed, Sanchez prevented her from leaving their house, physically overpowered her, and attempted to sexually assault her. Investigators learned the woman bit Sanchez on his left wrist before escaping the home and calling 911.

Investigators learned that, during the struggle with Sanchez inside their home, Sanchez gained control of the knife the woman was using to defend herself. During the struggle, Sanchez stabbed the woman under her armpit causing a small laceration.

The woman’s injuries were relatively minor. The LCPD lieutenant was transported to Mountainview Regional Medical Center. His injuries are not life-threatening.

Sanchez was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center where he is initially being held without bond.