Police shooting involving Hereford man
MCKINLEY COUNTY (KSMX)- New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was contacted by the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office to investigate a police shooting involving a McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy.
Per a press release, State Police Investigations Bureau agents learned that at around 11:30 p.m., on March 1, McKinley County Sheriff’s Deputy Cecil Sanders responded to the Flying J gas station located on Interstate 40 at approximately milepost 39 for a call of a disorderly man, who was refused alcohol sales and had been escorted from the store. The deputy arrived to find the man and identify him as Melvin Russell Long (48) of Hereford, TX walking on the westbound off-ramp towards Interstate 40 at around milepost 39.
When Deputy Sanders caught up to Long, a physical altercation ensued.
During the physical altercation, Long began punching the deputy and throwing rocks at the deputy. He then straddled and stood over the deputy who fell and was on his back. Long picked up a large rock and held it over his head.
Deputy Sanders believed Long was going to hit him with the large rock. In fear of his life, Deputy Sanders fired his weapon and struck Long, stopping the attack. Long was transported by ambulance to an area hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and deputy was uninjured.
Long was charged with Battery on a Peace Officer and Resisting and Evading a Peace Officer.
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