
Deming Police Chief Alex Valsespino told Deming Radio News that Deming Police Lieutenant Matthew Rudiger, a 20-year veteran with the department suffered minor wounds after allegedly being attacked by Arthur Murillo, age 20, no address available.
Valdespino said that Lieutenant Rudiger responded to a call from Deming’s homeless shelter Silver Linings on South Copper around 12:30 Tuesday afternoon in reference to an unruly man on the premises.
Upon arrival, Murillo became aggressive with the officer, and refused verbal commands to back down. Lieutenant Rudiger attempted to deploy his taser against Murillo with to no avail.
Murillo attacked Officer Rudiger and wrestled him to the ground, eventually placing him in a choke hold.
A citizen observing the affray, began helping officer Rudiger until other officers arrived as back up.
Rudiger was treated and released at Mimbres Memorial Hospital for minor scrapes and bruises. Murillo was treated for a tear in his left gauged ear and charged with aggravated battery on a peace officer resulting in great bodily harm.