An Las Cruces officer conducted a traffic stop on a blue GMC pickup for expired insurance. During the traffic stop, the LCPD officer observed two females inside the vehicle and a man sitting in the back seat not wearing a seatbelt. The officer learned Antonio Valenzuela had a bench warrant for his arrest. The officer told Valenzuela to get out of the vehicle, at which time he fled on foot. During the foot pursuit, Officer Christopher Smelser allegedly shocked Valenzuela with a Taser, and then placed him in a chokehold killing him. Smelser was charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Victim's Name: Antonio R. "Tony" Valenzuela
Agency Responsible: Las Cruces Police Department
Gender: Male
Age: 40
Race: Hispanic
Date of Death: February 29, 2020
County: Dona Ana
Cause of Death: Physical Restraint
Official Disposition: Charged with involuntary manslaughter
Criminal Charges: Charged with a crime
Mental Illness: No
Armed: Unarmed/Did Not Have an Actual Weapon
Weapon: unarmed
Threat Level: other