LOS LUNAS – A Los Lunas man who shot a New Mexico State Police (NMSP) officer during a high-speed chase was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, the DOJ announced.
According to publicly available court records, on February 11, 2022, NMSP Lt. Jeremy Vaughan was on duty at a gas station in Edgewood when he approached a vehicle containing a woman and Caleb Elledge, 26, of Los Lunas. Elledge fled, ramming the officer’s vehicle, leading to a pursuit that ended with Lt. Vaughan being struck in the neck by gunfire.
Despite his injury, Lt. Vaughan returned fire before Elledge and his passenger fled on foot. The next day, NMSP agents arrested Elledge in McIntosh, recovering the firearm used in the shooting.
Elledge was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition as a previously convicted felon. Lt. Vaughan has since retired due to the severity of his injuries.
In court, U.S. Attorney Uballez emphasized that ‘attacking a law enforcement officer is a guarantee that you will be caught and punished.’ Lt. Vaughn addressed Elledge directly, expressing concern for him as a human being and offering hope for change.
“Today’s sentencing of the defendant is reassuring that violence towards law enforcement is never acceptable,” said Raul Bujanda of the FBI. “The FBI will continue to work with local partners to hold accountable those who assault law enforcement officers.” Troy Weisler, Chief of NMSP, commended federal collaboration in this case and vowed to keep New Mexico citizens safe.
Elledge will be subject to 3 years of supervised release upon his release from prison. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office, Edgewood Police Department, and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mysliwiec.
Related Federal Cases
- Lymon Found Guilty in Albuquerque Officer Shooting · New Mexico
- Yazzie Admits Shooting Victim in the Head, Faces Decade in Prison · New Mexico
- Coleman Gets 7 Years for Illegal Gun, Dog Shooting · New Mexico
- Laguna Pueblo Man Gets 37 Months for Shooting · New Mexico
- Hoffmeister Accused of Shooting at Border Patrol · New Mexico
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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