Officer Down

Officer Gregg "Nigel" Benner
Rio Rancho New Mexico Police Department
End of Watch: Monday, May 25, 2015
Age: 49
Tour: 4 years
Badge # 163

Officer Nigel Benner was shot and killed while making a traffic stop near the intersection of Pinetree Road and Southern Road at approximately 8:15 pm.

Officer Benner was about to go off-duty when he spotted a vehicle driving in an erratic manner. Inside that vehicle was a female driver and her boyfriend. The two were driving around Rio Rancho looking for a home to burglarize. When Officer Benner activated his light, the vehicle stopped. Officer Benner approached and began to speak with the female driver. He obtained identification from her, and the passenger provided false identification information to Officer Benner. After conducting a computer check, Officer Benner returned to the suspects vehicle to question them further, but the suspects fled in the vehicle.

Officer Benner pursued the vehicle for a short distance before the passenger shot his girlfriend in the foot, and pushed her from the vehicle. Officer Benner stopped to check on her wellbeing, and then continued to pursue the suspect. A shot distance away, the suspect shot Officer Benner several times. Wounded, Officer Benner walked back toward the female and asked "What was his name?", before collapsing.

Officer Benner was transported to UNM Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.

The female suspect was arrested at the scene. The male suspect was arrested later that night after robbing a gas station at gunpoint.

Officer Benner was a U.S. Air Force veteran and had served with the Rio Rancho Police Department for four years. He is survived by his wife, two children, and three stepchildren.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.