Antonio R. "Tony" Valenzuela
Name: Antonio R. "Tony" Valenzuela
Age: 40
Gender: Male
Race: Hispanic/Latino
Date: 02/29/2020
Location: 240 3 Crosses Ave
Las Cruces, New Mexico, 88005
County: Dona Ana
Agency: Las Cruces Police Department
Cause of Death: Asphyxiated/Restrained
Intended Use of Force: Less-than-lethal force
Media summary: A Las Cruces officer conducted a traffic stop on a blue GMC pickup for expired insurance. During the traffic stop, the LCPD officer observed two females inside the vehicle and a man sitting in the back seat not wearing a seatbelt. The officer learned Antonio Valenzuela had a bench warrant for his arrest. The officer told Valenzuela to get out of the vehicle, at which time he fled on foot. During the foot pursuit, Officer Christopher Smelser reportedly shocked Valenzuela with a Taser, to no effect. He then placed Valenzuela in a chokehold killing him. Smelser was charged with second degree murder.
Unique ID: 27636
News article: Link
View Larger Map
