Police officer stabbed, suspect shot in scuffle

ALBUQUERQUE (New Mexico) — State Police officer, Steven Carroll, 25, was patrolling an area near Airport Road and Fairly Lane around 11:30 p.m, when he spotted a four-door sedan with one of its tail lights out.

After pulling over the car, which was allegedly being driven by 39-year-old Ricky Gonzales of Santa Fe, Carroll suspected the driver of being intoxicated and asked him to step out of the vehicle to perform roadside sobriety tests.

Once outside the car, Gonzales tried to flee. A foot pursuit ensued and Carroll eventually caught up with the suspect and tackled him.

As the two wrestled on the ground, Gonzales tried to take Carroll's gun, a Smith and Wesson .357. Along the way, Gonzales used a knife to stab Carroll in the abdomen, an unprotected area that was underneath the officer's protective vest.

During the struggle, Carroll fired his gun, striking Gonzales at least once in the arm.

Court records show that Gonzales has an adult criminal history in New Mexico that goes back to 1994.

As for Carroll's health status, acting State Police chief Robert Shilling said the second-year officer is "very stable and has been responding well to doctors and nurses."

"He's doing extremely well and his attitude is outstanding," he said.

ORIGINAL SOURCE