Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Jose Chavez was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop on Franklin Street at approximately 3:40 pm.
One of the vehicle's passengers exited the vehicle during the stop and opened fire on Officer Chavez, wounding him. Another officer who witnessed the incident immediately called for assistance and pursued the subjects at high speeds for several miles.
The occupants then carjacked a second vehicle at a rest stop along I-25 near Radium Springs, before continuing to flee. The subjects were taken into custody after a successful stop sticks deployment by responding officers.
Two of the subjects were identified as fugitives wanted for murder in Ohio.
Officer Chavez was transported to University Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, where he succumbed to his wounds.
The man who shot Officer Chavez was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Officer Chavez had served with the 8-officer Hatch Police Department for two years.
Officer Chavez had served with the 8-officer Hatch Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NM-451A01FC- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Jose. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Chavez gave the Hatch Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hatch community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Chavez.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Jose Ismael Chavez is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NM, 123 of 193 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.7% of this state's fallen. That is 9.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Jose Ismael Chavez's cause is highlighted.
How Jose Ismael Chavez Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Jose Ismael Chavez is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Jose Ismael Chavez was killed by gun; unknown type.