NMSP officer part of Alamogordo officer-involved shooting identified

New Mexico State Police identified the officer who shot and killed a Las Cruces man in Alamogordo during a Nov. 1 traffic stop. 

NMSP officer Jantzen Duran stopped a black Chevy Malibu driven by Benjamin Diaz, 22, of Las Cruces which was traveling 106 mph on U.S. 70 near mile marker 209 west of Alamogordo. 

According to NMSP, Diaz exited his parked vehicle and attacked Duran as returned to the driver's side of his police vehicle to prepare a traffic citation.

Duran's verbal commands to Diaz to stay at the front of his police car, were ignored and Diaz attacked Duran with a folding box cutter, stabbing at his chest.

According to the release, Duran drew his department-issued sidearm and fired it once at Diaz, striking him.

The two men fell to the ground and Diaz attempted to disarm Duran. Then Duran gained control of Diaz and handcuffed him.

Duran was treated at an area hospital and released.

Diaz received emergency aid on the scene and was airlifted to El Paso University Medical Center where he subsequently died from his injuries. 

"It's sad for both sides of these incidents. I've always felt that way, not only for law enforcement that has to make those decisions in a split second but also the family whose loved ones (were) involved. My heart goes out to the Diaz family," NMSP Chief Tim Johnson said at an NMSP press conference following the incident.

According to NMSP, the vehicle Diaz was driving was being reported stolen earlier that morning and prior to the traffic stop, by the Las Cruces Police Department.

Duran was placed on standard administrative leave. According to the release, Duran has been with NMSP for approximately two years and is currently stationed in Alamogordo.

According to NMSP, when the investigation is completed, the case will be forwarded to an assigned district attorney's office for review. 

More:Las Cruces man killed by New Mexico State Police officer in shooting

Cristina Carreon can be reached at ccarreon@alamogordonews.com, 575-437-7120 or on Twitter @Cris_carreon90.