Antonio R. “Tony” Valenzuela

Less-than-lethal force

A Las Cruces officer conducted a traffic stop on a blue GMC pickup for expired insurance. During the traffic stop, the LCPD officer observed two females inside the other and a man sitting in the back seat not wearing a seatbelt. The officer learned Antonio Valenzuela had a bench warrant for his arrest. The officer told Valenzuela to get out of the other, at which time he fled on foot. During the foot pursuit, Officer Christopher Smelser reportedly shocked Valenzuela with a Taser, to no effect. He then placed Valenzuela in a chokehold killing him. Smelser was charged with second degree murder.