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You are here: News Public Safety Man shot by police officer faces multiple charges

Man shot by police officer faces multiple charges

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During a routine stop for a minor traffic violation, New Mexico State Police Officer Calvin Brown was drawn into a battle for his life April 7.

The high stakes incident began around 7 am, shortly after he pulled over a 2016 Hyundai Sonata 4-door sedan that was traveling eastbound on Interstate 40, near mile post 19.

During the traffic stop, Brown began to question the driver, who was identified as Stephen Thompson, 33, from Oklahoma City, O.K., about his travels. Brown also questioned the female passenger about their travels. According to the report, he discovered inconsistencies between the driver’s statements and the passenger statements. Due to the inconsistencies in their statements, Brown asked for consent to search the vehicle.

Initially Brown obtained consent from Thompson, but it was subsequently withdrawn. Brown explained to Thompson that he was going to request a K-9 Officer and asked him to stand off to the side of the road.

Instead of standing off the road, Thompson walked with Brown to the passenger side of the vehicle indicating he needed to get his girlfriend out. As Thompson approached the passenger side of the vehicle, he jumped into the car.  Brown immediately ordered him away from the car and eventually entered the vehicle through the open passenger door, in an attempt to remove Thompson from the vehicle. While Brown was in the vehicle, Thompson drove the vehicle onto eastbound I-40 at a high rate of speed with Brown inside.

As the vehicle was traveling east on I-40 an physical altercation ensued between Brown, Thompson, and a female passenger, Kierra Johnson, 20, from Del City, O.K.  During the altercation Brown discharged his weapon one time striking Mr. Thompson in the right abdomen.  The vehicle came to rest approximately one one mile east of where the initial traffic start occurred.

As of April 12, Thompson was jailed at McKinley County Adult Detention Center on an $85,000 bond. He faces the following charges: assault with intent to commit a violent felony upon a peace officer; kidnapping; battery upon a peace officer; intent to distribute marijuana.

Johnson was jailed at MCADC April 7 on a $30,000 bond. She’s facing the following charges: assault with intent to commit a violent felony upon a peace officer; kidnapping; battery upon a peace officer.

Brown sustained scratches on his neck during the altercation. He has more than 13 years of law enforcement experience and has been with the New Mexico State Police for a year and a half.  He is currently on administrative leave.

During the execution of the search warrant on the vehicle, approximately 50 pounds of suspected marijuana was located in the trunk of the vehicle.

This incident is still being investigated.