Deputy Sheriff J. M. Clifton

J. M. Clifton

Deputy Sheriff J.M. Clifton was shot and killed near Crossroads after stopping a vehicle suspected of being used in a robbery in Lovington.

During the stop, one of the men produced a handgun. Deputy Clifton was able to disarm the man, but while the two struggled, a second man exited the car and shot him three times. Despite his wounds, he was able to return fire and kill both men.

Deputy Clifton drove himself to a nearby school and was then taken to a doctor's office, but died later that night.

Deputy Clifton was survived by his wife.