Town seethes over deadly traffic stop

MOUNTAINAIR, N. M. (KRQE) - Anger over the police chief's role in the death of two townspeople hit by a fleeing suspect erupted Tuesday night with one cop turning in his badge at a public forum that drew state officers to maintain order.

Some people were removed during the meeting which occasionally turned into a shouting match.

All of the mayhem revolved around Mountainair Chief of Police Ed von Kuzleben who two weeks ago pulled over a wanted man and then shot at the tires of the pickup truck as the man sped away.

That fugitive, Paul Sanchez, is now charged with vehicular homicide accused of running three stops before broadsiding a car driven by Flora Chavez. The collision killed Chavez, 78, and her grandson Christopher Chavez, 10.

There were cries for Mountainair's police chief to be fired with at least one angered citizen, literally getting in his face. But there were also shows of support.

Kuzlben showed up to listen and defend his actions that night saying Sanchez's actions led to the tragedy.

He said it was tragedy that suspect Paul Sanchez hit and killed Flora Chavez, 78

"He provided the weapon that was used to kill two people," Kuzleben said. "I'm understandably upset about that because it's my job to keep those people safe."

Mountainair Mayor Velta Gilley reinstated the chief five days after putting him on routine administrative leave following the April 8 incident.

Gilley told KRQE News 13 she believed Kuzlben was justified in shooting at the truck. However some angry citizens disagree and confronted the chief outside the meeting.

"I did what my training required me to do," the chief told the small crowd around him

"To shoot at somebody?" one woman said. "Your training taught you to shoot at somebody moving in your vehicle?"

During the meeting Sgt. Guy Sullenger, who was back-up at the scene, turned in his badge reducing Mountainair's police force to the chief and one other officer. Sullenger was reported to have tried unsuccessfully to save Christopher Chavez's life and taken leave for emotional duress.

The boy died en route to an Albuquerque hospital.

New Mexico State Police told News 13 an independent investigation of the April 8 events is continuing. However Mayor Gilley said during the meeting that officers informed her Kuzleben had been cleared of any wrongdoing .

The town council has the power to fire the chief, but councilors indicated they have no plans to do so.

Asked by News 13 if he felt any responsibility for the deaths, Kuzlben responded, "Absolutely not, sir, but let me say my heart goes out to the Chavez and Archuleta family."

The chief said he will talk to Sullenger and try to persuade him to remain on the force.

State Police earlier reported Kuzlben had received a tip that Sanchez was in Mountainair and wanted in Phoenix on a warrant for violating parole. Officers searching his truck reported finding methamphetamine.

After the collision he was treated and quickly released at an Albuquerque hospital and then jailed in the Torrance County Detention Center.