ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – New video shows police responding to the scene where Jordon Vasquez is accused of running from officers after robbing a gas station near Alameda and Ellison in February.
Three Albuquerque police officers arrived at a chaotic scene after getting a call about a robbery at a gas station. An employee told police that Vasquez threatened her with an axe and a knife, then stole two packs of cigarettes.
According to a criminal complaint, just as officers got to the scene Vasquez ran to his SUV and drove off. Officer Duda, whose cruiser was close to being hit, responded by firing three non-lethal rounds.
“Albuquerque police, let me see your hands. Let me see your hands! Let me see your hands!” officers shout repeatedly at Vasquez.
The officers quickly jumped into action and followed Vasquez, who didn’t get far. Vasquez made it to a shopping center parking lot across the street from the gas station. “He parked on the curb, left the vehicle in gear. The vehicle continued to roll into another vehicle,” an officer says.
Vasquez was carrying a knife as he entered a Pei Wei restaurant, but dropped it at the door. Officer Duda and another officer took him down with bean bag rounds. “Fire! Fire! Fire! Give me your hands!,” officers yell as they take Vasquez into custody.
Vasquez then started blessing the officers and reciting a prayer before asking why they shot him. When asked if he was okay, Vasquez’s mood shifted and he began insulting the officer.
Vasquez pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanors and six felony charges, including armed robbery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Vasquez’s lawyer filed a motion to have their client undergo a psychiatric evaluation, which was approved by a judge. Vasquez is currently going through a psychiatric evaluation to see if he is competent to stand trial. A competency review hearing is scheduled for August 30.
