Ledes from the Land of Enchantment

Las Cruces Police Officer awarded Sliver Star and Purple Heart

Surrounded by family, friends, law enforcement brothers and sisters, and members of the family of fallen New Mexico State Police Officer Darian Jarrot, Las Cruces Police Officer Adrian De La Garza was commended for his bravery and service and was awarded a Silver Star awarded for bravery.

On February 4, 2021, Officer De La Garza faced the suspect who was involved in the shooting of New Mexico State Police Officer Darian Jarrot. The suspect fled the stretch of highway where he shot and killed Jarrot and continued his attempt to escape towards Las Cruces. After an inter-agency pursuit along Interstate-10, the suspect was met by Officer Adrian De La Garza, who successfully brought the vehicle to a stop using a precise demobilization technique. The subject and De La Garza exchanged shots, and De La Garza was hit and wounded. He did not back off when other law enforcement officers flocked to help.

Today De La Garza was also awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice. He was thanked and honored for his services at a ceremony hosted by Stoneshield Ministries, both of whom presented awards to the National Police Hall of Fame on behalf of the National Awards Program.

“We couldn’t be more proud of Adrian’s actions that day,” said Las Cruces police chief Miguel Dominguez. “It was a sad day for law enforcement in southwest New Mexico when Officer Jarrot lost his life. We are proud of Adrian’s actions, and he was and is a hero of our department, ”he said.

Stoneshield Ministries provides counseling and counseling for first responders.

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