Clovis man found guilty of felony charges

CLOVIS - A Clovis man was found guilty Monday of felony charges of battery on a police officer, according to the district attorney's office.

Tyler Phillips, 35, was sentenced to 18 months in the New Mexico Department of Corrections, followed by 364 days of supervised probation. He was also convicted of a misdemeanor charge of resisting, evading or obstructing an officer.

According to the release from District Attorney Andrea Reeb:

n In June 2019, Clovis Officer Timo Rosenthal, while patrolling near the intersection of 10th and Calhoun streets, recognized Phillips and knew there were warrants against him.

n Phillips began to flee on foot, but was caught and apprehended by Rosenthal. During a search, Phillips threw his head back, striking the officer in the face.

District Judge Matt Chandler presided over the one-day trial, which was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Mitchell Mender.

An attempt to contact Phillips' attorney was unsuccessful.