HATCH, N.M. – Authorities say a police officer has died after being shot in the neck during a traffic stop. Three suspects are in custody.
The Dona Ana County Sheriff's Department released a statement late Friday saying Hatch Police Officer Jose Chavez died Friday after being airlifted to a hospital in El Paso, Texas.
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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