Undersheriff Rudolpho Filberto Sanchez

Rudolpho Filberto Sanchez

Undersheriff Rudy Sanchez was shot and killed after responding to a fight at the Navajo Trail Bar and Cafe at Fort Garland.

Fort Garland officers requested assistance from Undersheriff Sanchez on the disturbance at the tavern between band members and the owner around 1:00 a.m. When the argument was moved outside, Undersheriff Sanchez was shot with a .22 caliber pistol. Another police officer was stabbed, and a third officer survived a gunshot wound to his chest.

Four suspects fled the scene and were later arrested in New Mexico. One of the suspects was tried but was found not guilty.

Deputy Sanchez had served with the Costilla County Sheriff's Office for one year. He was survived by his wife and son.