Philip Olivas served in the U.S. Air Force.
Deputy Marshal Philip Olivas was struck and killed by a vehicle just after midnight. He had stopped a person for suspicion of drunk driving when the man jumped out of his vehicle and fled on foot along Union Avenue near County Road 37 west of Mesilla Park. Deputy Olivas chased him on foot along the county road and then down an unlit road, where he caught up to him. He then told a bystander to go to his cruiser and call for assistance as he was struggling with the suspect in the roadway. A responding unit came down the unlit road and did not see the two fighting until it was too late and struck them both. The subject died at the scene, and Deputy Olivas died about 30 minutes later. The suspect ran because he was driving on a revoked license. Deputy Olivas was a U.S. Air Force veteran and served with the Mesilla Marshal's Office for only 24 days.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Deputy Marshal Olivas served with the Mesilla Marshal's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Mesilla community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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