Hatch police officer killed during traffic stop; 3 arrested

Dona Ana County authorities say a Hatch police officer has died after being shot during a traffic stop. Three suspects are in custody.

They say the officer was shot in the neck Friday afternoon and airlifted to a hospital in El Paso, Texas.

Dona Ana County Sheriff's Department released a statement late Friday saying Hatch Police Officer Jose Chavez died at the hospital.

Authorities say the 33-year-old was a two-year department veteran.

The officer had just arrived at the traffic stop when a passenger got out of the vehicle and fired shots.

County sheriff's officials say the three male suspects fled in a car and were later arrested. Their names haven't been released.

Authorities say one of the suspects suffered a gunshot wound to the right thigh.

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Information from: KRQE-TV, http://www.krqe.com

https://www.foxnews.com/us/hatch-police-officer-killed-during-traffic-stop-3-arrested