New Mexico State Police on Monday provided new information in the October 8 deadly officer-involved shooting in Clovis.
NMSP said officer Brent Aguilar saw what he believed was a knife while chasing Aaron Joseph Chavez, 22, of Clovis. Aguilar fired four rounds and fatally struck Chavez.
After the shooting, the investigation showed it was not a knife.
“A chain saw blade fashioned into a weapon was found lying next to Chavez,” an official statement said.
The following is an updated statement from New Mexico State Police:
NM State Police Investigate Clovis Police Department Shooting
This update contains the interview of the involved officer.
On Monday, October 8, 2018, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was asked to investigate a police shooting involving the Clovis Police Department (CPD).
On October 11, 2018, an interview was conducted with Clovis Police Department Officer Brent Aguilar, a twelve-year veteran of the force. Officer Aguilar stated that on October 8, 2018, around 12:30 a.m., he and other officers were attempting to stop a stolen vehicle with a single occupant, later identified as Aaron Joseph Chavez (22) of Clovis, NM.
Chavez excited the vehicle and led officers on a foot pursuit. During the foot pursuit Officer Aguilar saw another officer fall, and yell “He (Chavez) has something in his hands.” Officer Aguilar said as he was running toward Chavez with the intent to take him into custody, he saw Chavez’s right hand inside his right pocket. Chavez removed his right hand from his pocket holding an object which Officer Aguilar perceived to be a knife. Chavez started swinging the object at Officer Aguilar. Officer Aguilar stopped abruptly fearful Chavez might cut his face and/or throat, and discharged his duty weapon, firing four rounds fatally striking Chavez. A chain saw blade fashioned into a weapon was found lying next to Chavez.
This investigation remains active and open. The details of the shooting remain under investigation. Upon completion of the State Police investigation this case will be forwarded to an assigned district attorney’s office for review.
Related Story: Police identify 22-year-old killed in Clovis officer-involved shooting
