On August 21, 2018, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was contacted to investigate a police shooting involving the Catron County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). Preliminary information indicated both a CCSO deputy and male suspect had sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.
Through initial investigation State Police learned that on the morning of August 21, 2018, CCSO deputies had been dispatched to investigate an incident in which an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) had been stolen from a residence on US 60 near the New Mexico/Arizona border. The owner of the stolen ATV informed deputies he witnessed a male suspect driving his ATV from his property. The ATV also had a rifle attached to the front.
The owner followed the suspect and stolen ATV in his vehicle, a Dodge pickup truck. A short time later, the suspect stopped the ATV, took the rifle from the front of the ATV, and pointed the rifle at the owner. The suspect then stole the owner’s pickup and fled in the pickup with the rifle. After the suspect fled in the stolen pickup, the owner was able to drive the ATV back to his residence where he called police.
Deputies began investigating and were able to identify Everett Lee Husted Jr. (34) of Osceola, Iowa as a possible suspect. Later that morning, a local resident reported possibly sighting Husted on foot on Powerline Road near the intersection of US 60. When deputies responded, they encountered Husted sitting on the side of Powerline Road, approximately one-quarter mile from US 60. Husted complied with deputies’ orders and was taken into custody without incident. Husted was placed in the rear seat of CCSO Undersheriff John Cliff Snyder’s patrol car which was not equipped with a prisoner barrier guard.
Husted informed deputies that he was in possession of the stolen Dodge truck and had gotten the truck stuck and left it at the end of Powerline Road. Deputies left the scene to begin searching for the stolen truck and Undersheriff Snyder transported Husted from the location.
According to interviews, while Undersheriff Snyder was transporting Husted, Husted was shackled in a “belly chain” with his hands in the front of his body. Husted attacked Undersheriff Snyder from behind then jumped into the front seat and continued attacking the undersheriff. Undersheriff Snyder fired multiple shots in self-defense. At least one gunshot struck Husted in the abdomen and another struck the undersheriff’s hand. Husted escaped briefly and was located approximately fifty yards from the scene by responding law enforcement.
Both Husted and the injured undersheriff were transported for medical treatment. Both are currently in stable condition. Undersheriff Snyder has twenty-seven years of law enforcement service with the CCSO
State Police obtained an arrest warrant for Husted. Husted has been charged with aggravated battery on a peace officer and escape from the custody of an officer. Any potential charges pertaining to the stolen vehicle investigation will be handled by the CCSO. Husted will be booked after he is released from medical treatment.
At the completion of this investigation this case will be forwarded to an assigned district attorney’s office for review. No further details are available.