New Mexico State Police: Man arrested after fleeing and shot by Lincoln County deputy

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A man was arrested after allegedly stealing items from a discount store in Capitan, New Mexico, trying to flee from law enforcement and ending up being shot by a Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputy on Saturday, June 22. , New Mexico State Police said.

Lincoln County sheriff's deputies were called to the Family Dollar store in Capitan shortly before 1 p.m. Saturday, according to state police.

Victor Herrera, 22, and Maggie Mondragon, 25, were driving a stolen pickup truck when they stole items from the store, according to state police investigators.

Lincoln County sheriff's deputies found the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the two men attempted to flee until stopping on Highway 380, state police said.

Herrera and Mondragon got out of the vehicle and tried to flee on foot, state police said.

The police were able to apprehend Mondragon, the driver of the vehicle.

Herrera fled on foot into the mountains and has not been apprehended at this time, state police said.

Later that day, a BOLO (be on the lookout) alert was issued for Herrera. State police say after fleeing on foot, he stole another truck and was later located by Lincoln County sheriff's deputies, who attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Herrera continued to flee in the truck onto Salazar Canyon Road.

A deputy then used “spike strips” on Salazar Canyon Road, but Herrera allegedly went around the spikes.

At that point, the deputy fired at least one round from his duty weapon, state police said.

Following the officer-involved shooting, New Mexico State Police officers responded to assist in the pursuit of the stolen vehicle. NMSP units located the truck and performed a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the vehicle.

Herrera was then taken into custody. He was transported to an area hospital to be treated for minor injuries sustained during the chase. New Mexico State Police have not said whether or not Herrera was shot.

No officers were injured during this incident.

Herrera is charged with unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and fleeing from a law enforcement officer. They did not specify what charges Mondragon would face.

The LCSO deputy who fired his service weapon has not been identified.