State police arrest two in connection with chase

CLOVIS — The New Mexico State Police on Wednesday announced they've arrested two people in connection with an Aug. 3 high-speed chase that included shots fired at an officer.

Patricio Gilman, 21, was arrested Aug. 6 on charges that included aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer. He is being held without bond at the Curry County Adult Detention Center, and waived a preliminary hearing on Thursday.

Joseph Leyva, 24, also faces a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer. He's in the CCADC on a $5,000 cash only bond, and is due in court Thursday for a preliminary examination.

According to a news release from state police:

• About 11:50 p.m. on Aug. 3, a Mexico State Police officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a White Dodge Charger on State Road 467 southbound near mile marker 15 in Clovis. The vehicle fled and a pursuit was initiated.

• The vehicle turned east on to Curry Road 6 reaching speeds of 100 mph. The passenger of the Dodge began throwing objects out of the vehicle. The vehicle then made a right turn into a corn field near the intersection of Curry Road 6 and Curry Road K. Two men exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

• Officers located a Taurus 9mm handgun and a Glock 26 9mm handgun inside the vehicle.

During the investigation agents learned the driver and the passenger of the Dodge Charger fired shots at the officer during the pursuit. This information was verified through the officer's dashcam video. Agents were able to identify the suspects as Leyva (driver) and Gilman (passenger).

• On Aug. 6, agents and officers took Gilman into custody following a short foot pursuit after conducting a traffic stop.

• On Aug. 18, state police located Leyva at a residence in Clovis. He was taken into custody without incident.

• Throughout the course of the investigation, agents and officers made 11 separate arrests on charges including harboring/aiding Leyva and Gilman. Five firearms were seized during the investigation, with two reported as stolen.

Messages left with attorneys for Gilman and Leyva were not returned.