Sunday night, the Las Cruces Police Department announced the loss of Patrol Officer Jonah Hernandez, 35, who they say was killed in the line of duty.
Just before 5 p.m. on Sunday, LCPD said Officer Hernandez was responding to a trespassing call on the 300 block of south Valley Drive. Police say Officer Hernandez may have been stabbed by a suspect who allegedly trespassed onto the property. LCPD also said in a news release that the alleged perpetrator, a 29-year-old man, was shot and killed by someone who witnessed all or part of the altercation, and that a witness used Hernandez’s police radio to call for help.
Police said Officer Hernandez was transported to Mountain View Regional Medical Center where he died.
Portions of Valley Drive, north of Amador Avenue were closed Sunday night due to the investigation.
The Las Cruces Police Department said Patrol Officer Jonah Hernandez, from El Paso, Texas, has been with the department for two years. The department said he leaves behind a wife and two sons, ages 10 and 2.
When KRWG reached out to Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez for comment, the mayor said he was at the hospital on Sunday night with members of the officer’s family and other first responders.
“We’re saddened by what took place. We stand with our law enforcement as they mourn the loss of one of their own,” he said. “We just ask everybody to please join us in keeping Officer Hernandez and his loved ones and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers, and we’ll navigate through this difficult time with strength and unity.”
KRWG Public Media will continue to follow this developing story. A news conference with LCPD Chief Jeremy Story has been scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at Las Cruces City Hall in Council Chambers.
According to a news release, the Las Cruces Police Officers Association has established a GoFundMe account and a local deposit account for donations on behalf of the family of officer Jonah Hernandez.
Checks, made out to the “Benefit of Jonah Hernandez” fund, can also be dropped off at the Las Cruces Police Department in care of Veronica De La O, treasurer of the Las Cruces Police Officers Association. The Las Cruces Police Department, 217 E. Picacho Ave., is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding federal holidays.
The following photos of Hernandez and his family were provided by his family and shared by LCPD in a news release Monday.
This story was last updated on February 12 at 3:10 p.m.