LCPD: Officer wrestled loaded gun out of hands of patient who pointed gun at nurse

A Las Cruces police officer had to wrestle a loaded handgun out of the hands of a patient accused of pointing the weapon at health care workers.

Police said Mathew Rodger Smith, 56, of Hatch, New Mexico, was undergoing treatment at a local clinic Tuesday afternoon.

Investigators charged Smith with two counts of aggravated assault upon a health care worker and a single count of aggravated assault upon a peace officer.

Police officers were dispatched to the report of a patient with behavioral issues at Fresenius Kidney Care, located at 3875 Foothills Drive, shortly before 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2019.

The officers who arrived at the clinic were told employees were having trouble with Smith, a patient. Staff members told the officers Smith was displaying sudden outbursts and spouting profane language.

When a police officer entered the room where Smith was being treated, Smith reached into his jacket with his right hand, pulled out a revolver and pointed it at one of the nurses holding his left arm, police said.

The officer reacted quickly by grabbing Smith’s hands and knocking the revolver to the floor. The officer forced Smith to the floor and a nurse kicked the gun out of reach as the suspect was taken into custody.

The nurse and another health care provider both indicated they were in fear of being shot by Smith. Police determined Smith’s gun was a fully-loaded .357 revolver.

Smith was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he’s initially being held without bond.