Suspect in SWAT standoff tried escaping through ceiling crawl space, police say
An hours-long SWAT standoff at an apartment on Solano Drive resulted in the arrest of a man suspected of punching a police officer.
Police said the suspect, which had already eluded officers once, tried to escape through a crawl space in an apartment’s ceiling.
29-year-old Ruben Trujillo, of the 1600 block of La Fonda Drive, is charged with one count each of “Battery Upon a Peace Officer,” “Concealing Identity,” and “Resisting, Obstructing or Evading an Officer.”
Thursday, April 13, 2017, Las Cruces Police were dispatched to the report of a suspicious vehicle in the area of Neleigh Drive. Officers arrived to find two sport utility vehicles in the roadway and Trujillo standing between the SUVs.
Trujillo allegedly punched a Las Cruces Police officer and ran away, leading officers on a brief foot pursuit, officials said. The officers lost sight of Trujillo near Second Street.
Police officials said the officer sustained a small contusion to his lip.
The department issued a warrant for Trujillo’s arrest and he was located Thursday, April 20, 2017 at an apartment at 1900 N. Solano Dr.
A woman exited the apartment and confirmed Trujillo was inside. Officers tried to make contact with Trujillo but did not receive a response, officials said.
SWAT and Hostage Negotiation teams ware called out at about 9 p.m. but Trujillo allegedly refused commands to exit the apartment.
SWAT sprayed tear gas into the apartment and Trujillo allegedly entered the crawl space in the apartment’s ceiling.
Police said Trujillo was able to move through several apartments in an attempt to escape. An LCPD K-9 unit was lifted into the crawl space and caught Trujillo who tried to fight the dog, police added.
Trujillo was eventually taken into custody at about 5 a.m. on Friday. He was transported to Memorial Medical Center for injuries he sustained in the fight with the K-9.
Trujillo will be booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center when he is released from the hospital.
