POLICE Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

New Mexico State Trooper Killed at Traffic Stop, Suspect Fatally Shot After Long Pursuit

During the traffic stop, the driver identified by authorities as 39-year-old Omar Felix Cueva reportedly shot and killed Jarrott. He then fled the scene.

February 5, 2021
New Mexico State Trooper Killed at Traffic Stop, Suspect Fatally Shot After Long Pursuit

New Mexico State Police Officer Darian Jarrott was shot and killed at a traffic stop near Deming Thursday. (Photo: NMSP)

1 min to read


A New Mexico State Police officer was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Interstate 10 near Deming on Thursday. The suspect was killed by law enforcement in Las Cruces after a two-county vehicle pursuit.

Officer Darian Jarrott, 28, conducted a traffic stop on a white Chevrolet pickup truck on I-10 eastbound, east of Deming.

Ad Loading...

During the traffic stop, the driver identified by authorities as 39-year-old Omar Felix Cueva reportedly shot and killed Jarrott. He then fled the scene.

Cueva was spotted on I-10 by state police. Cueva pulled over at the exit and fired at the state police who returned fire, police say. He then fled and a vehicle pursuit began.

State police, Dona Ana County Sheriff's deputies, Las Cruces Police officers, and the U.S. Border Patrol were involved in the 40-mile pursuit, KFOX reports.

It ended in Las Cruces with a PIT maneuver and a deadly shootout.

Suspect in murder of state police officer engaging law enforcement at end of pursuit. Suspect was killed. One officer was hit. (Photo: KFOX screen shot)

His vehicle stopped, Cueva got out and opened fire on law enforcement, police say. 

Ad Loading...

Officers returned fire, killing Cueva.

One Las Cruces Police officer was struck by gunfire. The officer was airlifted to a trauma hospital where he was treated and later released.

Ad Loading...

More Patrol

image of men on bicycles and women competing in martial arts and a log for the US Police & Fire Championships
PatrolDecember 10, 2025

Police & Fire Championships Expands Athlete Eligibility

The US Police & Fire Championships is now open to all employees – sworn, civilian, administrative, technical, and support staff – who work directly for an eligible public safety agency.

Read More →
Thumbnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips with yellow headline 10 Tips for Felony/High-Risk Stops.
Sponsoredby Wayne ParhamDecember 3, 2025

10 Tips for Felony/High-Risk Stops

What steps can officers take to stay safer during felony or high-risk vehicle stops? Here are 10 tips from Mike Willis, Law Enforcement National Training and Program Director for the US Deputy Sheriff's Association.

Read More →
Screenshot of compute screen showing a blurred license plate compared to an image where the image has been enhanced to show the numbers and letters.
Patrolby Edited by StaffNovember 25, 2025

Amped Highlights Power Behind Amped FIVE Software

Amped FIVE empowers you to advance your investigations with confidence and precision, from the crime scene all the way to the courtroom.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Background orange tinted image of southern California with pushpin marking Burbank. Headline reads K-9 Killed by Gunman, Burbank Police Department
PatrolNovember 24, 2025

Police K-9 Killed, Suspect Dies in Shootout with Cops

A Burbank Police Department K-9 was fatally shot over the weekend by a passenger who fled on foot from a traffic stop. The armed suspect was killed in a shootout with officers.

Read More →
Thumbnail image with blue and red police lights against a black background, large POLICE logo, headline for From the Show Floor: InVeris
Patrolby Wayne ParhamNovember 23, 2025

From the Show Floor: InVeris

In this video, learn about how InVeris provides training to law enforcement, including customized augmented reality scenarios. The augmented reality system can scan up to 10,000 square feet of real-life environments and create a curriculum based on those spaces.

Read More →
Thumbnail image for video series POLICE From the Show Floor featuring Polaris Government & Defense.
Patrolby Wayne ParhamNovember 19, 2025

From the Show Floor: Polaris Government & Defense

Learn about Polaris Government & Defense in this video as POLICE visits their show booth to discover their side-by-sides and the advantages they provide for agencies.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
2026 ford police brochure
SponsoredNovember 17, 2025

2026 Ford Pro™ Police & Special Service Vehicles Guide is Available for Download

Ford Pro™ meets the needs of law-enforcement agencies

Read More →
black background width image of police lights in middle and headline Dashcam Video Officers rescue Man from Burning Car
PatrolNovember 17, 2025

Dashcam Video Shows Officers Rescue Man from Burning Car

Dashcam video released by a New Jersey police department shows two of its officers rescuing an unconscious man from a burning car after a crash.

Read More →
blue background with image of a red dot sight and also second image of the red dot on a handgun lower right
PatrolNovember 17, 2025

Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT Named Red Dot of the Year

The Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT system has been named Red Dot of the Year by Guns & Ammo magazine. The new optic system was introduced in January 2025.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Thumbnail for video series POLICE From the Show Floor, with headline text featuring Axon
Patrolby Wayne ParhamNovember 16, 2025

From the Show Floor: Axon

Join POLICE as we visit with Abi Stock, of Axon, to learn about the company’s latest technology offerings, such as Axon Assistant, Form One, and the DFR integration with Skydio.

Read More →