Earlier today, April 7, at approximately 7 am, a New Mexico State Police Officer stationed in Gallup stopped a 2016 Hyundai Sonata 4-door vehicle on the west end of Gallup on Interstate 40 for a traffic violation.
During the traffic stop, the officer asked the driver, who was identified as Stephen Thompson, 33, from Oklahoma City, O.K., to stay out of the vehicle. During the stop Thompson quickly walked back to his vehicle and entered it through the front passenger door. The officer reached into the vehicle, through the open passenger door, in an attempt remove Thompson and was repeatedly ordering him away from the car. Thompson was able to drive off with the officer inside the car.
As the vehicle was traveling east on I-40 an altercation ensued between the officer, Thompson, and a female passenger. During the altercation the officer discharged his weapon one time striking Thompson in the right abdomen. The vehicle came to rest approximately one one mile east of where the initial traffic start occurred.
Mr. Thompson was transported to Gallup Indian Hospital where he is undergoing treatment at this time.
The Officer sustained scratches on his neck during the altercation. A female who was a passenger in the vehicle is being questioned regarding this incident.
Investigation is ongoing, no charges have been filed at this time.
Updated 6:52 pm, April 7
