'Not in Vain' records 330 arrests, more than 1200 citations

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - Operation Not in Vain, a three-month crime reduction project in memory of fallen Las Cruces Police Department Officer Jonah Hernandez, generated 127 felony arrests, 114 misdemeanor arrests, 89 criminal citations and more than 1,200 traffic citations during its three-month operation.

“The success of this operation underscores the importance of collaboration among state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies,” said LCPD Chief Jeremy Story. “By combining resources and expertise, we have made a positive impact on the safety of our community.

“While this is an important step forward, we recognize there is still much work to be done. Together with our partners, we remain committed to pressing on and addressing the challenges ahead and ensuring justice and safety for all Las Cruces.”

The operation, which began Aug. 5 and concluded Nov. 8, utilized law enforcement personnel from the Las Cruces Police Department, New Mexico State Police, the U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics Agency, representatives from the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and other federal task force agents.

Here are the final statistics for the operation, which ran from Aug. 5 through Nov. 8, according to an LCPD news release:

• 1284 traffic citations
• 291 reports taken
• 209 trespass warnings
• 127 arrests (felony)
• 119 field interviews
• 114 arrests (misdemeanor)
• 89 criminal citations issued
• 29 warrants (search/arrest) completed
• 25 stolen vehicles seized/recovered
• 24 separate narcotics seizures
• 12 firearms seized/recovered
• 15 DWI arrests

“This operation is a testament to the power of collaboration between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies,” said New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler. “By working together, we’ve successfully taken dangerous criminals, illegal firearms and narcotics off the streets of our communities, making New Mexico safer for all.

“Our commitment to keeping these threats off the streets remains steadfast," Weisler continued. "We will ensure that Officer Jonah Hernandez’s sacrifice was not in vain and continue to stand united in our fight against crime to protect the safety of our citizens.”

Law enforcement personnel seized more than 3,200 fentanyl pills and roughly 54 pounds of methamphetamine during the operation. The operation also tallied 607 consensual contacts with members of the community and 539 meetings with local businesses.

LCPD Officer Jonah Hernandez was killed in the line of duty Feb. 11, 2024, after responding to a trespassing call at a vacant building on the 300 block of South Valley Drive. The men and women of the Las Cruces Police Department have committed to ensure that Hernandez’s service to the community be remembered, the agency stated.

Hernandez was from El Paso, Texas, and served two years with the Las Cruces Police Department.

Operation Not in Vain targeted violent and property crimes, persons with outstanding warrants, repeat offenders, traffic enforcement and quality of life crimes. The project also offered an engagement aspect with law enforcement personnel reaching out to Las Cruces residents and local businesses.