Albuquerque, NM – An Arizona man was sentenced to 30 years behind bars for attempted murder of a New Mexico State Police officer.
On September 12, 2020, a truck driven by Robert Nelson (31) of Scottsdale, AZ was pulled over by New Mexico State Police Sgt. Sharron Duran for a traffic infraction outside the Laguna. Pueblo. Sgt. Duran was also serving as a Task Force Officer with the Department of Homeland Security at the time. As Sgt. Duran approached the vehicle, Nelson fired multiple rounds, striking Sgt. Duran, and then fleeing the scene. Sgt. Duran pursued Nelson, while injured, and conducted a felony stop on the vehicle and waited for backup. Nelson was taken into custody without further incident. Sgt. Duran sustained injuries and has since recovered to full duty.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, U.S. Assistant Attorneys Paul Mysliwiec and Nicholas Mote prosecuted this case, alongside help from FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda, and the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau. Together, they all worked tirelessly on this case. All their hard work ensured that justice was served and ended up with Nelson pleading guilty to attempted murder of a Federal Task Force Officer and discharging a firearm during a federal crime of violence. After serving his sentence, Nelson will be subject to 4 years of supervised release.
“Every agency involved in this investigation spent countless hours and sleepless nights to make sure this case ended in a guilty verdict. It is a stark reminder that no traffic stop is routine, and the bravery shown by Sgt. Duran is of the highest degree.” said New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler.
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