ARTESIA — The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) have released additional details on an officer-involved shooting that occurred in late September in the area of Seventh Street and Missouri Avenue.
According to state police documents, the suspect who initiated that shooting — 23-year-old Brandon Sevier of Artesia — had run a stop sign at the intersection of 10th Street and Washington Avenue around 9 p.m. Sept. 28. When Artesia Police Department (APD) Officer Matthew Martinez and Eddy County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) Deputy Edward Anchondo attempted to stop him, he fled.
The NMSP say at one point during the pursuit, Anchondo exited his patrol unit and pursued Sevier on foot through the alleyway running parallel with Missouri. Sevier proceeded to ride onto Santa Fe Trail — a roadway running through the townhome complex just south of Missouri — toward Seventh Street, where Martinez was parked, and at that time began firing rounds at the APD patrol unit.
Both Martinez and Anchondo returned fire, striking Sevier. He was rendered medical aid at the scene before being transported to Artesia General Hospital with minor injuries. After being medically cleared, he was taken to the Artesia Detention Center.
The NMSP report states that, during the initial search of Sevier’s person, a plastic baggy containing a white crystal substance was found. Other evidence later seized included a black bag containing suspected drugs, another plastic baggy containing suspected drugs, a grey box containing suspected drug paraphernalia, a syringe containing suspected drugs, and a container with a scale and 12 plastic baggies.
Three bullet holes were found in the APD patrol unit, one to the passenger-side wheel well, one to the passenger-side hood that proceeded through the engine block, and one to the driver’s-side front windshield that then impacted the steering wheel and speedometer area. NMSP investigators noted several shell casings were seen in the street near that vehicle.
Three bullet holes were found in a metal fence surrounding the backyard of a residence in the 500 block of South Seventh Street and another in a shed in the backyard. Three more were observed on the exterior wall of a residence in the 600 block of South Seventh Street and yet another in a fence next door to that home.
A search warrant was obtained for those homes and two other residences on Santa Fe Trail.
Sevier stands charged with assault with intent to commit a violent felony upon a peace officer; aggravated battery upon a peace officer with a deadly weapon; shooting at or from a motor vehicle; possession of a firearm by a felon; possession of a controlled substance; resisting, evading or obstructing an officer; and failure to stop or yield at an intersection.
He remains in the Eddy County Detention Center without bond and is scheduled for arraignment at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 6, before Judge Jane Shuler-Gray in Fifth Judicial District Court.