Candlelight vigil to be held for man shot by police

CLOVIS — Near the site where police shot Arron Chavez dead during a pursuit early this month, community organizers and church leaders are working with his family to put on a candelight vigil this week.

“I see some things with people trying to get understanding, to get together, to unify,” said David Dawson, pastor of Clovis’ Pure Heart Word Center church. “We’re pretty much just trying to comfort some people that are torn in different directions with sorrow, hostility...”

Dawson will present during the event, and Living Word Church of God’s associate pastor Bonetta Hutson will be among singers.

The gathering is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the corner of South Prince Street and East Brady, the same intersection where a Clovis police officer killed Chavez on Oct. 8, shortly after midnight.

Officer Brent Aguilar told New Mexico State Police that Chavez, 22, was “swinging” an object that he “perceived to be a knife;” in return and “fearful Chavez might cut his face and/or throat,” the 12-year law enforcement veteran “fir(ed) four rounds fatally striking Chavez.”

Beside Chavez’ body, investigators found “a chain saw blade fashioned into a weapon,” police said.

Chavez led officers there in what police say was a stolen vehicle, which he abandoned straddling the curb of a gas station south of the construction on the Prince Street overpass before running from police on foot, NMSP said.

The investigation is ongoing, but a report is expected for review by a panel of district attorneys early next month.

An online event page for the vigil says it is intended “to start the healing process for all in the community.”

Chavez’ father, Clayton Chavez, filed a petition last week through attorney Arthur Nieto seeking court appointment “as Personal Representative and Statutory Trustee pursuant to New Mexico’s Wrongful Death Act.”

No criminal charges have been filed in connection with Chavez’ death and no civil lawsuits had been filed as of Tuesday.