On Monday, August 29, 2016, at about 11:37 p.m., Officer Caron of the Clovis Police Department was patrolling the area of the 900 block of Wallace Street in Clovis, New Mexico, when he conducted a traffic stop of a bicycle for a minor traffic offense.
Officer Caron made contact with the rider of the bicycle who was identified as Anthony Baca (34 years of age). A warrant check was run on Baca and Clovis Police Department Dispatched relayed Baca had an outstanding felony arrest warrant for failure to appear in court for his person. Officer Caron told Baca he was under arrest and as he attempted to handcuff Baca. Baca resisted Officer Caron’s attempt to arrest him and fled on foot. Officer Caron gave chase and informed dispatch he was in a foot pursuit. During the chase, Baca attempted to scale a fence. Officer Caron ordered Baca to stop and deployed his Taser ECD in effort to gain control of Baca. Baca was not incapacitated by the Taser. Officer Caron stated Baca raised his right arm, he heard a loud bang, saw the muzzle flash from a firearm and immediately felt a burning sensation in his left thigh. Officer Caron went to the ground and was able to draw his pistol, but by this time Baca had fled the scene. Officer Caron radioed dispatch relaying a “shots fired” call.
Additional Officers from the Clovis Police Department arrived on scene. Officer Caron was given first aid and was transported to Plains Regional Medical Center by Clovis Fire Department Ambulance. Officer Caron was treated for his wound and was subsequently released from the hospital. A perimeter was set in the area of the shooting. Officers of the Clovis Police Department, Curry County Sheriff’s Office, and New Mexico State Police searched for Baca but were unable to locate him.
An arrest warrant has been generated for Anthony Baca for; Assault with Intent to Commit a Violent Felony Upon a Peace Officer (2nd degree felony), Aggravated Battery on a Peace Officer (3rd degree felony), and Resisting, Evading, or Obstructing a Police Officer (misdemeanor). The bond for the warrant is set a $75,000.00 cash only. The Clovis Police Department is asking for the community’s help in finding this violent suspect. If you have any information as to Anthony Baca’s whereabouts, please contact law enforcement, 911, Crime Stoppers or TipSoft.
(News release from the Clovis Police Department)