New Mexico Ranchers Capture Texas Murder Suspect
Three New Mexico ranchers captured and held a Midland, Texas, murder suspect who fled law enforcement Monday night just north of Roswell, N.M.
Kionne Devaughn Lewis, 29, of Midland, fled law enforcement into the remote and rugged area north of Roswell, N.M. New Mexico State Police were contacted late Monday by the Texas Rangers requesting assistance finding Lewis, who had a rifle and was driving a 2013 Ford F-150. Law enforcement had issued a warning that Lewis was considered armed and dangerous.
“The New Mexico State Police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Lewis, who rammed the officer’s State Police vehicle disabling it,” the agency said in a statement.
Continuing southbound on U.S. 285, State Police encountered Lewis near mile post 143. Lewis allegedly refused to pull over when State Police attempted to initiate a traffic stop of the pickup he was driving. A pursuit reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour then ensued.
Lewis then drove off the road and into a pasture and where he fled on foot. The search prompted a 12-mile section of U.S. 285 to be closed to traffic.
The New Mexico State Police said when the ranchers first encountered Lewis they were able to convince him to put down the rifle he was carrying and peacefully wait for law enforcement to come to the scene.
Chaves County, N.M., Undersheriff Charles Yslas told the Roswell Daily Record that the ranchers “had him at gunpoint.” He said the ranchers recognized Lewis from social media posts pertaining to the search conducted about 25 miles north of Roswell.
Lewis had an active warrant out for his arrest on charges of capital murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after he allegedly shot to death a 28-year-old woman at a residence in Midland, the Midland Polic Department said in a statement. A man who was at that same location was also allegedly shot and injured by Lewis.
In addition to the charges in Texas, the press release states that Lewis will also be charged in New Mexico with battery on a police officer and resisting and evading arrest.
