An Alamogordo police officer is fighting for his life after being shot in the face during a confrontation early Saturday morning. The suspect, 26-year-old Dominic De La O, is now in custody following a shootout and subsequent manhunt.
The incident began around 2:30 a.m. Saturday when officers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by De La O, who was reportedly driving without headlights or taillights. De La O allegedly fled the scene, leading police on a chase that ended when he crashed into a light pole. He then fled on foot.
During the ensuing confrontation, the officer was shot with what authorities described as a sawed-off shotgun. He was immediately airlifted to a trauma center and remains in critical but stable condition. The officer's identity has not yet been released.
De La O also sustained a leg injury during the exchange of gunfire. He received medical treatment at a local hospital before being released into police custody. He is currently being held at the Otero County jail on multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery on a police officer with a deadly weapon. The New Mexico State Police are leading the investigation.
It is currently unknown whether De La O has legal representation.
