Clint Eastwood spotted filming scene in Downtown Las Cruces
To quote Dirty Harry, Clint Eastwood “made the day” of dozens of Las Crucens when he filmed several scenes downtown on Tuesday.
“It’s a great opportunity for our community,” said Debbi Moore, the president and CEO of the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce. “I can’t stress enough the power of that economic development dollar.”
ABC-7’s New Mexico Mobile Newsroom was parked right on Mountain Avenue when Eastwood pulled up driving a black Lincoln Mark LT truck with an out-of-state license plate. He exited the vehicle and greeted the officers working security for the event.
“It tells us that we’re on the map,” said Rector Scott Ruthven at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Las Cruces. “It’s exciting to know that somebody wants to do something in Las Cruces.”
Eastwood’s crew filmed inside Ruthven’s church, which is located on Alameda Boulevard and Mountain Avenue.
“I was amazed at just how much stuff was necessary for this,” Ruthven said. “This whole parking lot was filled with big trucks and little trucks, lots and lots of people everywhere. It was really exciting.”
Not only does Eastwood’s movie put Las Cruces on the map, Moore said it helps the economy.
“When the production crews come in, they rent rooms in our hotels,” Moore said. “They eat in our restaurants. Those employees of the hotels and restaurants go out and shop and everybody just keeps spending money.”
The Boys & Girls Club of Las Cruces was only blocks away from the set, but the dozens of kids had no idea who Eastwood was or that he was filming a movie in their neighborhood.
“Have any of you ever heard of Clint Eastwood?” we asked, waiting for a resounding, “No!”
Thankfully, Anthony Collins, who supervises the kids, knew of the incredibly famous actor.
“He’s an awesome guy,” Collins said. “I love his movies, I love how he directs. He’s a really good director.”
ABC-7 will continue to follow any tips of Clint Eastwood sightings around town! Stay tuned to ABC-7 at 6 to see the incredible video for yourself.
