Chaparral man killed by Doña Ana deputy wanted for disorderly conduct

Video from a body camera worn by a Doña Ana County sheriff’s deputy showed the struggle between the deputy and Jose Adrian Guzman that led to Guzman’s death on April 29.

The video was part of a news conference by Doña Ana County Sheriff Kim Stewart on May 1, who said the deputy shot and killed Guzman after a nearly five-minute chase and struggle. The deputy’s name was not released to the media.

Officers were called to a report of a theft in progress in the area of Luna Azul and Prescott Anthony Dr. at approximately 2:20 p.m. in Chaparral.

In the video, the deputy arrives on scene and sees Guzman along the road, where he exchanges a few words with Guzman and tells Guzman not to go back to the property. The video shows the deputy taking down Guzman’s information and releasing him, but returning to his vehicle where he was informed of an active, no-bail warrant for Guzman’s arrest from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Department for disorderly conduct.

“(Guzman) has made 35 arrests in his history,” Stewart said. “We have definitely had contact with this person before.”

A second video captured by the body camera, also shared at the press conference, shows the deputy’s attempt to take Guzman into custody. Guzman frees himself and starts running away. A chase ensues up and down the 300 block of Prescott Anthony Drive with the deputy in his vehicle. The video showed the deputy calling for backup at least once. According to Stewart, his calls were not received and his partner in the district was busy with another call.

Eventually, the deputy confronted Guzman again outside a home. Guzman attempted to flee, but the deputy fired his Taser at Guzman. Another struggle ensued, during which the deputy was able to roll Guzman onto his stomach. The deputy is shown in the video on top of Guzman trying to take him into custody, but Guzman eventually frees himself again – this time grabbing the Taser from the ground with his right hand.

The deputy then drew his weapon and Guzman was heard telling him to drop the Taser at least eight times. The video shown at the Wednesday, May 1, press conference did not include the moment Guzman was shot.

Stewart said the Taser was still loaded and charged, and video shows Guzman pointing it at the deputy.

“When he pointed it (Taser) at the deputy, it was considered potentially lethal force,” Stewart said.

The Shooting Involved Officer is currently investigating. Stewart did not answer media questions at Wednesday’s news conference.

“What you see is part of the case that ultimately goes to the district attorney,” Stewart said.

Jason Groves can be reached at [email protected] or 575-541-5459. Follow him on X @jpgroves.

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