A New Mexico State Police internal review has identified flawed tactics and poor communication as key factors in the tragic 2021 shooting of Officer Darian Jarrott. The officer was unknowingly pulled into a high-risk situation when he stopped an armed drug suspect who was already under federal surveillance.
The report, released Wednesday, provides a detailed breakdown—including dashboard and body camera footage—of the events leading to Jarrott’s death. He was fatally shot during a routine traffic stop on Interstate 10, unaware of the suspect’s violent past.
How the Tragic Incident Unfolded
The review also sheds light on the death of Omar Felix Cueva, the drug trafficking suspect who killed Jar\rott. Following the fatal traffic stop, Cueva-Felix led law enforcement on a 40-mile high-speed chase, which ended in a shootout in Las Cruces.
Communication Failures & Conflicting Accounts
A critical finding of the review was contradictory accounts from federal agents and a State Police supervisor. The report suggests that not all crucial details—such as Cueva-Felix’s criminal history and a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) plan to arrest him—were fully disclosed to New Mexico authorities.
“Omar Cueva-Felix brutally took the life of Officer Jarrott, a tragic reality that cannot be undone,” stated New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler.
Officer Darian Jarrott: A Dedicated Public Servant
Jarrott, 28, had served as a New Mexico State Police officer since 2015. He was a father of four and had previously worked as a state transportation inspector before joining the force. His death marked the first fatal shooting of a New Mexico State Police officer in over 30 years.
Lawsuits and Government Immunity
The incident has led to multiple lawsuits, with allegations that both HSI agents and Jarrott’s superiors were negligent in failing to warn him about the suspect’s dangerous history.
However, in July 2023, a federal judge in Albuquerque dismissed one of the cases, ruling that the government was immune from liability.
The Fatal Stop: A Series of Missteps
According to the review:
- Jarrott was ordered to pull over Omar Felix Cueva at the request of federal agents after the suspect sold a large quantity of drugs to an undercover officer.
- Cueva-Felix had an extensive criminal history in California, was known to carry firearms, and had previously stated he wasn’t going back to prison.
- Jarrott was not included in critical briefings or text communications between federal agents and State Police before the operation.
- There was no official command structure coordinating the multi-agency operation, despite agencies working in different cities over 60 miles apart.
Missed Warning Signs & Tactical Errors
The review also found that Jarrott did not recognize key danger signs. Upon stopping Cueva-Felix, he spotted a handgun on the suspect’s hip but did not adjust his tactics accordingly. Moments later, he was ambushed and fatally shot.
Response from Homeland Security Investigations
Eric McLoughlin, acting special agent in charge of HSI El Paso, acknowledged the findings and stated that the agency is reviewing the report and recommendations. He reiterated condolences for Jarrott’s death and emphasized ongoing cooperation between HSI and local law enforcement agencies.
What’s Next?
Following the report’s release, New Mexico State Police have made changes to their policies, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future. The findings serve as a grim reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face and the critical need for effective communication and coordination in high-risk operations.
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