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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
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Jose is the only officer of Hatch Police Department remembered here.
Jose is one of 123 officers killed feloniously in NM, 63.7% of the 193 remembered there.
Jose is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jose is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2016, 2 officers in NM were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 77 years on record. The heaviest was 1898, with 4.
In 2016, 82 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 79th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2016, 84 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Jose was 33. Of the 107 killed feloniously in NM whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 37. Jose had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jose was 33. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Jose had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jose was 33. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Jose had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 11.4% of these deaths in NM; February holds the most, 14.6%. Fridays: 16.3%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Hatch Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.7% of all 193 deaths in NM, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 12.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 16-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Hatch Police Department are honored on badge.nw.