Dona Ana Authorities Identify Officer Who Shot and Killed Armed Suspect

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — The Dona Ana County Sheriff's detective who fatally shot an armed fugitive being sought on a warrant in Las Cruces last month has been identified.

Sheriff's officials say Chase Thouvenell was part of the Special Response Team that went to a motel July 29 to serve an arrest warrant on 34-year-old Michael Malone.

They say Malone was wanted on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, felon in possession of a firearm and battery against a household member.

Authorities say Malone fled the motel through a window. After a brief confrontation, he was shot and killed in an alleyway.

Sheriff's officials say Thouvenell has been placed on administrative leave with pay, which is standard policy in officer-involved shooting investigations.

He has been with the sheriff's department since August 2011.