16-05-2025
Rocky Ford Officer sees 'green dot' from gun laser on his chest
(ROCKY FORD, Colo.) — A suspect is under arrest after allegedly aiming a gun with a laser sight at law enforcement in Rocky Ford in April.
According to the Rocky Ford Police Department (RFPD), around 2:15 a.m. on April 26, a Rocky Ford officer was parked at Rocky Ford High School and was meeting with deputies of the Otero County Sheriff's Office.
The officer and deputies saw a car pull into Babcock Park after park curfew, and shortly after, the RFPD officer spotted the green dot from a sight laser aimed at his chest. The laser was then also pointed at the deputies.
The deputies pulled over the car after it left Babcock Park, and a gun with a green laser attached was found in the car. Illegal narcotics were also discovered during an 'incident to arrest' search.
According to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, an incident to arrest search is a legal exception to the Fourth Amendment's warrant requirement that allows police to conduct a warrantless search, based on, among other things, the need to protect officer safety.
The suspect, 35-year-old John Mitchell, was arrested on firearms and narcotics charges.
'As we recognize National Police Week this week and remember those law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the service of their communities, let us not forget how dangerous this profession still is,' said Chief of Rocky Ford Police, Matthew Wallace. 'This incident serves as a reminder for all of us that even in a small city, our officers risk their lives every day they put on the uniform and serve. To my fellow law enforcement officers: Stay safe and serve honorably. To our community: A smile, a head nod, a wave, or even a thank you means a lot.'
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