DEMING – A Michigan man suffered a broken leg over the weekend following a vehicle theft and pursuit in Deming that ended with the arrest of 23-year-old Caleb Bazor.
According to police, the incident began when the man was retrieving items from the trunk of his 2014 Chevy Equinox while having it serviced at the Walmart Auto Center. Bazor allegedly entered the running vehicle, removed the keys, and was confronted by the victim. Bazor left the vehicle on foot.
The victim, realizing his keys were missing, drove east on Cedar Street in the still-running vehicle to search for Bazor. Upon locating him, the victim stopped and attempted to retrieve his keys. Bazor reportedly re-entered the SUV, and during a physical struggle at the driver’s door, the victim was pushed out and fell, sustaining a broken leg.
A nearby driver witnessed the altercation and called 911. Officers from the Deming Police Department, with assistance from New Mexico State Police, pursued the suspect vehicle. The chase ended behind the Holiday Inn when State Police performed a successful PIT maneuver.
Bazor was taken into custody without further incident and booked into the Luna County Detention Center. He is charged with robbery, aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, aggravated fleeing from law enforcement, burglary, trespassing, driving without a license, and failure to comply with court conditions on an outstanding warrant.
“The Deming Police Department has a no PIT maneuver policy; however, the State Police have been officially trained in performing the vehicle stop maneuver,” said Deming Police Captain Jose Montoya.
The victim’s name is being withheld under KDEM’s & KOTS policy.