Two separate law-enforcement incidents—one in California in 2023 and another in New Mexico in 2022—revealed how quickly situations can escalate from routine calls to life-or-death decisions.
Chula Vista, California — February 4, 2023
Around 7:45 p.m., Chula Vista officers responded to multiple disturbance reports at an apartment on the 600 block of Main Street. Upon entering, officers discovered a homeless man being held at knifepoint by 37-year-old Paris Samako. Despite repeatedly identifying themselves and ordering him to drop the knife, Samako grew more agitated and dragged the victim toward a corner, creating a tense standoff.
Unable to risk the hostage’s safety, officers called in the SWAT team. After assessing the layout, SWAT executed a rescue plan by entering through a side room and distracting the suspect from multiple angles. When Samako made a sudden movement toward the victim, a SWAT officer fired a single shot, allowing police to pull the hostage to safety. Samako was transported to a hospital but later died from his injuries. Toxicology results showed illegal stimulants in his system, which investigators say heavily contributed to his erratic behavior.
The officer who fired the shot, K9-unit Officer Alfonso Pedro Mole, was placed on administrative leave—standard protocol—just as he had been following a previous critical incident weeks prior.
New Mexico — March 2, 2022
In a separate case, 46-year-old Ginny Zara Milo placed a false emergency call claiming her ex-boyfriend had kidnapped her and stolen her car. In reality, she staged the call to create a “thrilling” police chase. Officers pursued her vehicle for more than 12 miles as she drove into oncoming lanes at high speeds.
The chase resulted in a tragic crash that killed a state trooper. Milo continued acting out her fabricated story, convincing officers that an armed suspect was still hiding in the vehicle. A SWAT response, drone search, and full tactical sweep followed—until investigators confirmed through video footage that she had been alone the entire time.
Milo was later convicted of first-degree murder. The fallen officer’s family urged the court to impose the maximum sentence, emphasizing the devastating consequences of her actions.
Both incidents underscore the unpredictable dangers officers face and the devastating ripple effects caused by reckless decisions.
