LCPD Officer Killed in the Line of Duty

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 Sunday afternoon.
 
Patrol officer Jonah Hernandez, from El Paso, Texas, who has been with the Las Cruces Police Department two years, was stabbed at least once after responding to a trespassing call on the 300 block of south Valley Drive. Hernandez was transported to MountainView Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.
 
The incident occurred shortly before 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11.
 
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 perpetrator was shot and killed by someone who witnessed at least part of the interaction.
 
A witness then utilized Hernandez’s police 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.
 
Officer Jonah 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 this week. No other information will be available tonight.

The investigation has temporarily closed a portion of Valley Drive just north of Amador Avenue. Motorists are asked to avoid that area until the on-site investigation is complete.