CLOVIS, N.M. -- The man who was shot by a Clovis Police officer on Wednesday has been charged with ten felonies, Ninth Judicial District Attorney Matthew Chandler announced.
Paul Villanueva, 23, is being charged with Aggravated Burglary, First Degree Kidnapping, two counts of Criminal Sexual Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Aggravated Assault of a Household Member with a Deadly Weapon, four counts of Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer and Resisting, Evading or Obstructing an Officer.
It was Wednesday evening at about 5:45 p.m., when police responded to 1121 Sheldon Street on a welfare check or situation check. According to the police report, the caller advised he was concerned his girlfriend may be in danger because of threats from Villanueva, her ex-boyfriend.
Chandler said officers tried to make contact with anyone inside the home but there was no answer. Permission was granted a short time later by the landlord to enter with a key.
No one responded when officers entered, Chandler said. A police dog entered the home and a female subject exited the home, Chandler said.
Chandler said Villanueva then exited the back of the home, loaded with a .22 caliber handgun, and encountered police. He ignored verbal commands from officers and repeatedly pointed his gun at officers and his own head, Chandler said.
As he was attempting to exit the gate, he ran into a Clovis Police officer, Chandler said. As the two struggled, Chandler said it was reported that Villanueva was attempting to point his gun at the officer's head.
The officer threw Villanueva to the ground and both landed in the alleyway. Chandler said it was reported that Villanueva stood up, still loaded with his handgun, and was facing the officer who was just 10 feet away.
Chandler said the officer then, fearing for his personal safety and the safety of other officerss, got to his knees and fired to shots in rapid succession at Villanueva.
Initial investigation, according to Chandler, revealed the first bullett missed Villanueva but the second one struck him near his ribcage. Villanueva reportedly fell onto his bag but never dropped his gun.
Further investigation also revealed Villanueva had been holding the female inside the resident agaisnt her will at gunpoint for about an hour before police arrived, Chandler said. Additionally, Chandler said Villanueva allegedly sexually assaulted the woman and made several threats to kill her before police arrived.
Villanueva remains in critical, yet stable, condition at a Texas hospital, Chandler said.
Villanueva's bond is set at $100,000 cash only. If convicted, he faces approximately 49 years in prison.
