New Mexico police officer shot, killed during traffic stop

Authorities say a police officer has died after being shot in the neck during a traffic stop.

Three suspects are in custody. The Dona Ana County Sheriff's Department released a statement late yesterday saying Hatch Police Officer Jose Chavez died yesterday after being airlifted to a hospital in El Paso, Texas.

Authorities say the 33-year-old was a two-year department veteran.

The officer had just arrived at the traffic stop when a passenger got out of the vehicle and fired shots. County sheriff's officials say the three male suspects fled in a car and were later arrested. Their names haven't been released.
 

Authorities say one of the suspects suffered a gunshot wound to the right thigh.