06/23/15 Isleta, NM – Casino Attempted Arrest – Suspect Steals Patrol Car – Severe Injuries To 2 Police Officers – Suspect Crashes Into 4 Vehicles

June 23, 2015

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A Los Lunas man has been charged with two counts of aggravated battery on a peace officer after he allegedly stole an Isleta police car while attempting to flee from officers Saturday.

The criminal complaint states Isleta officers approached Travis Lopez and three other people in a vehicle parked at the Isleta Casino. Security cameras reportedly recorded the group conducting illegal activities.

The officers said Lopez gave them a false identity, so they asked him to exit the vehicle. AS he got out of the car, Lopez used crutches to walk. While officers were escorting him to their unit, they said Lopez dropped the crutches and fled into the patrol car through the driver’s side door.

As officers attempted to grab Lopez, the complaint states he put his hands on the steering wheel and stomped on the gas pedal.

While officers continued to attempt to stop him, they said Lopez hit three vehicles and then came to a complete stop by crashing into a pickup truck.

Officers got Lopez out of the vehicle and put him under arrest.

During the incident, two Isleta officers suffered injuries and were transported to UNM Hospital.

One of the officers sustained a concussion after being flung from the fleeing patrol unit. The other sufered a broken foot when Lopez allegedly flung him into the parked pickup truck.

Along with aggravated assault on a peace officer, Lopez is charged with aggravated fleeing from law enforcement, aggravated battery, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and criminal damage to property.

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