Panel finds officers did not use excessive force during March 2021 pursuit and shooting

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - A federal jury has ruled in favor of four Las Cruces police officers in a civil rights lawsuit stemming from a March 11, 2021, vehicle pursuit and shooting.

The United States District Court jury delivered its verdict Wednesday, finding the officers did not use excessive force during the incident involving Jonathan Lamar Strickland, who was 25 at the time.

Strickland filed the federal lawsuit alleging the officers violated his Fourth Amendment rights by firing multiple rounds into his pickup after he attempted to flee from police. He sought $25 million in compensatory damages and asked the jury to consider an additional $75 million in punitive damages.

The eight-member jury, composed of five women and three men, unanimously ruled in favor of the officers at the conclusion of the trial held in U.S. District Court in Las Cruces. Closing arguments were delivered Tuesday afternoon and jurors began deliberating shortly afterward. The verdict was returned Wednesday.

According to the city, the March 11, 2021, shooting followed a reported domestic dispute involving Strickland and his then-wife. The woman drove to Las Cruces police headquarters to report her complaint. While she was speaking with officers, Strickland arrived at police headquarters and parked his Toyota Tacoma next to her vehicle in the visitor’s lot.

Strickland remained in the parking lot while officers developed a plan to take him into custody. Before that could happen, he drove away and led officers on a short pursuit.

Police used a pursuit intervention technique (PIT) maneuver that brought the vehicle to a stop near the intersection of Campo Street and Hadley Avenue. Officers fired when Strickland used his hands to mimic a handgun aimed in their direction, according to the city.

Strickland was struck by seven gunshots that were described as non-life-threatening.

The officers were represented by outside counsel on contract with the City of Las Cruces. Strickland was represented by attorneys based in California and Albuquerque.

In statements released after the verdict, City Attorney Brad Douglas and Police Chief Jeremy Story thanked the jury and said the outcome affirms the professionalism of Las Cruces police officers.

"The City is gratified by this outcome, which recognizes the challenging and split-second decisions law enforcement officers must make to ensure public safety," said Brad Douglas, the city attorney. "We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in our policing practices."

“We are grateful to the jury for their careful consideration and decision, which affirms the professionalism of our officers,” said Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story. “Our officers are well-trained public servants who are routinely called upon to make difficult decisions in rapidly evolving situations.”