EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A 34-year-old man was shot by an Eddy County Sheriff’s sergeant and is now facing multiple charges after an incident in which the suspect was allegedly brandishing a rifle at another motorist over the weekend, New Mexico State Police said.
Dustin Henley, 34, was shot and is facing charges in the incident, State Police said.
Investigators learned that at about 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19, deputies from the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) responded to a report of an armed individual in the area of McKittrick Road, north of Hidalgo.
Eddy County is about 185 miles northeast of El Paso.
The 911 call indicated a man with a rifle had run toward the caller’s vehicle as they traveled along McKittrick Road.
An ECSO sergeant arrived on scene shortly after the call. Upon arrival, the suspect, later identified as Henley, fired at least one round from a .22 caliber rifle, striking the sergeant’s police vehicle, State Police said.
The sergeant exited his vehicle and returned fire with his issued sidearm, striking Henley.
Henley then dropped his weapon and attempted to hide in nearby vegetation. Despite repeated verbal commands to show his hands, Henley did not comply, State Police said.
With the assistance of an ECSO K9, Henley was then taken into custody and transported to an area hospital before being flown to a hospital in Texas to be treated for his injuries.
The ECSO sergeant was not injured during this incident.
Henley was charged with the following: assault with intent to commit a violent felony upon a peace officer; firearms or destructive devices with receipt, transportation or possession by certain persons; shooting at a dwelling or occupied building; shooting at or from a motor vehicle; aggravated assault; and resisting, evading or obstructing an officer.
The case remains under investigation.
New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the district attorney for review.
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