EDGEWOOD, N.M. (KRQE) – A miles-long police chase through the East Mountains ended with the suspect shooting a police officer two years ago. Now, the man accused of pulling the trigger is expected to serve time in federal prison after pleading guilty to gun charges.
It started at a gas station in Edgewood on February 11, 2022. The clerk suspects a woman was doing drugs in the bathroom. To begin an investigation, State Police Lieutenant Jeremy Vaughn blocks a car.
That’s when the chase began.
After nearly 7 miles, the chase comes to an end with a quick move by the suspect and the officer. Within seconds, there are gunshots. Vaughn pauses to get his composure and runs for cover but quickly realizes the suspects are gone.
It isn’t long before a bystander and fellow officer arrive to help.
A 24-hour search for the suspect, Caleb Elledge, covered Albuquerque, Moriarty, the East Mountains and everywhere in between. Elledge has a long criminal record and was on probation for other convictions at the time of the shooting.