An Aztec, New Mexico, man is accused of firing about 50 rounds at a New Mexico State Police officer during a traffic stop Monday in Farmington.
Man Arrested After Firing 50 Rounds at New Mexico Trooper During Traffic Stop
A state police vehicle was hit by at least one round, according to an arrest warrant affidavit, but the officer was not struck by gunfire.
by Staff
August 21, 2024
Fernando Leon Silva faces a charge of attempted second-degree murder for opening fire on a New Mexico State trooper Monday during a traffic stop.
Credit:
New Mexico State Police
A state police vehicle was hit by at least one round, according to an arrest warrant affidavit, but the officer was not struck by gunfire. A statement from the agency said he was “OK” after the incident, the Santa Fe New Mexican reports.
Police named Fernando Leon Silva, 40, as the suspected shooter and announced Tuesday evening he had been arrested.
Silva faces charges of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault on a police officer, shooting at or from a motor vehicle and two counts of aggravated fleeing from police, according to a criminal complaint filed Tuesday in San Juan County Magistrate Court.
Police wrote Silva’s gun had “a possible drum magazine or extended magazine,” and investigators recovered 49 .223 caliber casings and one 5.56mm casing at the scene.
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