Police search for man accused of shooting Clovis officer

CLOVIS, N.M. (KVII) — Clovis police are asking the public for help in finding a man who allegedly shot an officer while he was being placed under arrest Monday night.

According to the Clovis Police Department, an officer was patrolling the area near the 900- block of Wallace Street when he conducted a traffic stop of a bicycle for a minor offense just after 11:30 p.m. on Monday.

Police said the officer, identified as Officer Chris Caron, made contact with the rider of the bicycle. That person was identified as 34-year-old Anthony Baca. When the officer checked for warrants on Baca, it came up that he had an outstanding felony arrest warrant for failure to appear in court.

CPD said Caron told Baca he was under arrest and when he tried to place handcuffs on Baca, he resisted and fled on foot. Caron chased Baca on foot and during the chase, Baca tried to scale a fence. Caron's orders for Baca to stop were ignored so the officer deployed his Taser but Baca was not phased by the shock. Caron then said he saw Baca raise his right arm, then a loud bang was heard.

Caron said he saw the muzzle flash from a firearm and immediately felt the gunshot wound in his left thigh. Caron fell to the ground and was able to pull out his pistol but Baca had already fled the scene. Caron then told CPD Dispatch that there had been shots fired.

CPD said additional officers went to the scene and Caron was given first aid. He was taken to the hospital, treated for his wound and released from the hospital.

According to police, a perimeter was set up in the area where the shooting took place. CPD officers, as well as Deputies from the Curry County Sheriff's Office and New Mexico State Police, searched for Baca but could not locate him.

There is now an arrest warrant out for Baca for the charges of Assault with Intent to Commit a Violent Felony Upon a Peace Officer, Aggravated Battery of a Peace Officer and Resisting, Evading or Obstructing a Police Officer.

CPD said the bond for Baca's warrant is set at $75,000 cash-only.

CPD is asking for the public's help in locating Baca. Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is asked to contact 911, Crime Stoppers or TipSoft. Baca should be considered armed and dangerous.

A CrowdRise account has been set up to help Officer Caron has he recovers.