A recently released officer dash cam video showing the harrowing last minutes in the life of New Mexico State Police officer Darian Jarrott. Convicted felon Omar Cueva guns down the officer in cold blood. The fatal shooting occurred Feb. 4, on Interstate 10 outside the town of Deming, west of Las Cruces.
The incident occurred when Jarrot, assisting an ongoing drug operation and “drug buy,” stopped the 39-year-old Cueva, reported the Albuquerque Journal. Cueva already previously served time, getting caught with 15 pounds of methamphetamines and an “assault rifle.” But of all things, Jarrot pulled Cueva over for dark window tint.
Officer Darian Jarrott Murdered Execution-Style
While speaking to the suspect about license and registration, Jarrott notices some type of AR-15-type firearm.
“Do you mind if I take it off you, for my safety?” Jarrott asks from the passenger side of the truck.
Dash cam footage then shows both men walk toward the rear of the vehicle. Cueva gets out, seemingly bringing the AR-15 as instructed. Jarrott parallels him along the other side of the truck, his view obstructed. Footage shows Cueva ready the gun out of view. Then he suddenly levels the rifle, ambushing Jarrott.
“Oh sh*t,” Jarrott yells.
You can almost hear in his voice, the officer had no chance. Cueva opens fire. The suspect fires multiple shots, even after Jarrott falls to the ground. Then he puts the gun to the back of Jarrott’s head and pulls the trigger, reported the Albuquerque Journal. Cueva executed officer Jarrott, a 28-year-old father of three, with a fourth child on the way, in cold blood.
Police caught up with Cueva in Las Cruces sometime later, reported the Albuquerque Journal. Footage shows officers pit the suspect’s vehicle. Cueva jumps out and begins firing at close range on the police cruiser. But within seconds, other officers converge, shooting and finally killing Cueva.
It’s a chilling reminder of the dangers officers face on a daily basis. For those screaming “defund the police” at the top of their lungs, perhaps it’s time to think about what officers put on the line each day.