Officer Killed, Another Severely Injured in New Mexico Shootout Following Homeland Security Request
LUNA COUNTY, N.M. — A routine traffic stop escalated into a deadly encounter on February 4, 2021, leaving one New Mexico State Police officer dead and another critically injured, after a shootout with 39-year-old .
The incident began shortly after noon when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) requested assistance from state police to locate an “unregistered white pickup truck.” Agents did not disclose details of the investigation but assured officers that backup would arrive once contact with the driver was made.
Officer, located the truck traveling along Interstate 10 and initiated a traffic stop. Body-camera footage shows Jarrott approaching the vehicle and conducting a routine conversation before the driver, Cueva, exited the truck holding a rifle. Without warning, Cueva opened fire, striking Jarrott multiple times. The officer collapsed on the roadside as Cueva fled at high speed.
HSI agents arrived minutes later, calling for medics, but Jarrott showed no signs of life.
High-speed pursuit and second shootout
Nearby officers, already alerted to the unfolding situation, pursued Cueva in what became a violent, multi-mile chase. Officers attempted spike-strip deployments, which initially failed. Traveling at speeds near 200 km/h, Cueva fired multiple rounds at officers while continuing to evade capture.
During one confrontation, Cueva exchanged fire with officers from an estimated distance of 60 meters. Officer Adrian De La Garza was struck and severely wounded, collapsing as the gunfire intensified.
Despite his injuries, De La Garza forced himself back into the fight, returning fire before collapsing again. He would later undergo multiple surgeries and spend nearly two years recovering; his arm is permanently impaired.
The final confrontation
The pursuit ended when Officer De La Garza, driving at full speed, caught up to the fleeing suspect and forced Cueva’s pickup off the road. The final exchange of gunfire fatally wounded Cueva, bringing the violent episode to an end.
Aftermath and tributes
Officer Jarrott, who leaves behind three children and a fiancée expecting their fourth, was honored in a restricted-attendance funeral due to COVID-19. His final written oath was read aloud:
“By my honor, I will never betray my badge. I will uphold my community and the Constitution.”
Homeland Security later issued a $250,000 settlement to Jarrott’s family.
Officer De La Garza was awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star for his actions, though colleagues say his thoughts remain with his fallen partner.
