Dona Ana County man charged with attempted murder
A 51-year-old Dona Ana County man has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly trying to kill an El Paso Electric customer Thursday morning.
Paul Williams Jr., of the 9700 block of Hondo Road, is charged with one count of attempted murder and two counts of battery upon a peace officer after he also allegedly struck two Las Cruces Police officers.
Police say that at about 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, Las Cruces Police were sent to what was initially called a robbery in progress in the parking lot of the El Paso Electric Company at 201 N. Water St.
Officers learned that the suspect, later identified as Williams, had entered El Paso Electric and was wearing a white and black vest.
As officers approached the business, Williams exited the front door and tried to pull away from one of the Las Cruces Police officers.
A second officer tried to grab hold of Williams and Williams then allegedly struck the officer in the face with a punch.
Williams allegedly continued to strike and kick the two officers before he was taken into custody.
Police say that a 76-year-old man had gone to El Paso Electric to pay his bill and as he walked in the parking lot, he was approached by Williams who allegedly began punching his head and then kicked the man several times when he fell to the ground.
Williams then grabbed a $20 bill and walked inside the building.
Upon interviewing Williams, Las Cruces Police investigators learned that he intended on knocking the 76-year-old man unconscious and knew that his actions could have killed the older man. Police say Williams also indicated that he was under the impression that if he struck the officers, they would retreat.
The 76-year-old man was transported to Mountainview Regional Medical Center. His condition is not known but his injuries did not appear to be life-threatening. The two officers received relatively minor injuries.
Williams was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he is being held without bond.
