A Las Cruces Police officer working with Metro Narcotics escaped serious injury Tuesday when he got into a scuffle with a suspected drug dealer armed with a handgun.
Diego Eguino-Alcala, 21, of the 200 block of Princeton Street, is charged with one count each of battery on a peace officer, resisting or obstructing an officer, carrying of a deadly weapon, distribution of an imitation controlled substance, conspiracy and three counts of failure to appear.
At around 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, the officer made contact with the suspect in a parking lot near the Educational Services Center on the campus of New Mexico State University. The officer was interviewing the suspect outside the vehicles when the suspect attempted to flee on foot.
The officer briefly gained control of the suspect who then began striking the officer.
During the fight, Eguino-Alcala attempted to retrieve a handgun that was believed to be concealed in the waistband of his pants. During the struggle, the handgun slipped down Eguino-Alcala’s pants leg, preventing him from being able to reach the weapon.
The officer, with the help of a civilian passerby, was able to successfully take Eguino-Alcala into custody after the brief physical altercation.
Eguino-Alcala was found to be in the possession of suspected methamphetamine. The substance turned out to be bath salts.
Officers recovered the loaded 9 mm handgun that fell from Eguino-Alcala’s pants leg. No major injuries were reported.
Eguino-Alcala was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center. He is being held without bond.
Information from Las Cruces Police