LAS CUCES — The Las Cruces Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its own who was killed in the line of duty after responding to a call Feb. 11.
Patrol officer Jonah Hernandez, from El Paso, Texas, who has been with the Las Cruces Police Department for two years, was stabbed at least once after responding to a trespassing call on the 300 block of south Valley Drive around 5 pm. Hernandez was transported a local hospital where he died due to his injuries.
The investigation is in the very early stages but, at this point, police believe Hernandez was stabbed by the suspect who allegedly trespassed onto the property. So far, the investigation has also revealed that the suspect was shot and killed by someone who witnessed at least part of the interaction.
A witness then used Hernandez’s radio to call for help.
The suspect is a 29-year-old man. Police will not release his name until his next of kin have been notified.
Hernandez leaves behind a wife and two sons, ages 10 and 2.
Las Cruces Police will have additional information and anticipates holding a news conference early in the week of Feb. 12.
