feb 29, 2020 - Antonio R. "Tony" Valenzuela

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An Las Cruces officer conducted a traffic stop on a blue GMC pickup for expired insurance. During the traffic stop, the LCPD officer observed two females inside the vehicle and a man sitting in the back seat not wearing a seatbelt. The officer learned Antonio Valenzuela had a bench warrant for his arrest. The officer told Valenzuela to get out of the vehicle, at which time he fled on foot. During the foot pursuit, Officer Christopher Smelser allegedly shocked Valenzuela with a Taser, and then placed him in a chokehold killing him. Smelser was charged with involuntary manslaughter.

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