ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A simple call for an abandoned vehicle shines a light on what law enforcement could face when they deal with a person suffering from mental illness. It led to a chase and the suspect trying to take the officer’s taser and gun.
Bernalillo County deputy Connor Otero was called to an abandoned car on Puesta Del Sol, just outside of Tijeras, back on February 20 where he found Anthony Soliz. Otero told Soliz to get his hands up and not run, but Soliz didn’t listen, leading to a foot chase through the mesa.
Soliz is eventually tackled by the deputy who later describes what happened to another deputy. “I tackle him, had a little scuffle, he grabs my taser, pulls it out, tries to tase me,” said Otero.
The fight continued for another minute. Deputy Otero said Soliz tried to grab his gun and bit him. Then Deputy Otero got his taser back.
Luckily, another deputy showed up to help, and even though Soliz was tased, he continued to resist. Otero then uses force to get him in handcuffs, and they find Soliz’s knife.
Soliz accused the deputy of assaulting him, and then Otero explained why he did what he did. “I did hit you, you’re right, you told me you were going to stab me with a knife. So, yes. I hit you until your hand came out,” said Otero.
Soliz was taken into custody. His mother showed up at the scene and apologized for her son’s actions. He was wanted for a child abuse case from 2022 where he left his son unattended, and for resisting arrest after refusing to leave a store in 2023.
Officers found meth on him when he was arrested. He has a competency hearing scheduled for Monday.
