In another terrible tragedy to strike police departments in America, a patrol officer in the Las Cruces Police Department, a department in New Mexico, was stabbed to death by a trespassing suspect. The suspect was then stopped by an armed civilian who witnessed the shocking stabbing, the department claims, and that civilian radioed for help.
Announcing the horrific, senseless killing on Facebook, the Las Cruces Police Department said, “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.”
Continuing, the department noted that it was officer Hernandez who was murdered by the suspect and then described what happened. It said, “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.”
Continuing, the department described its working theory of the case, which is that Hernandez was stabbed by the trespassing suspect and that the perpetrator was then shot by a civilian. It wrote, “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 radio to call for help.”
Concluding, the department wrote, “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.”
A GoFundMe campaign has since been created to help provide for Officer Hernandez’s family. As of the time this article was written, it has so far raised about $60,000 of its $100,000 goal. Describing the officer’s background and family, it provides, “In honor of the life and ultimate sacrifice of LCPD Officer Jonah Hernandez, the Las Cruces Police Officers Association grieves with the wife, children and family of Officer Hernandez. On February 11, 2024 Officer Hernandez responded to a call for service in the community he selflessly served. Officer Hernandez was killed in the line of duty during this call. He paid the ultimate sacrifice and his memory will live on through his children, family and his brothers and sisters in blue. Rest easy, L989. All donations will be provided to his wife and children.”
The Las Cruces Police Department, describing how people can make donations if they don’t want to use GoFundMe, said, “Donations can also be made at any Citizens Bank of Las Cruces branch in Las Cruces. Contributors are asked to make checks or money orders payable to the “Benefit of Jonah Hernandez” fund.
Checks, made out to the “Benefit of Jonah Hernandez” fund, can also be dropped off at the Las Cruces Police Department in care of Veronica De La O, treasurer of the Las Cruces Police Officers Association. The Las Cruces Police Department, 217 E. Picacho Ave., is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding federal holidays. The Police Officers Association ensures that all proceeds generated on either account will go directly to the family of fallen officer Jonah Hernandez.”
Watch the procession for Officer Cruces here:
Featured image credit: GoFundMe
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