An Albuquerque police officer who was shot multiple times while trying to handcuff a motorcyclist last week died early Thursday, the police department said.
Officer Daniel Webster died at around 2:30 a.m., Albuquerque Police Chief Gorden E. Eden, Jr. said in a statement.
"Officer Webster fought valiantly for his life, however, his injuries were too severe," Eden said.
Webster, a former Army paratrooper and nine-year veteran of the department, was trying to handcuff Davon Lymon after pulling him over for an allegedly stolen license plate at around 7:45 p.m. Oct. 21 when Lymon pulled out a handgun and shot him several times, police said.
Lymon, 34, has been charged with a federal firearms charge. He was not supposed to have a firearm because of prior convictions for manslaughter aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and other charges, federal prosecutors said.
"Our hearts are heavy today, it's a very very difficult day," Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry told reporters Wednesday. "He served our nation and city with distinction and honor and he will be missed."
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico called Webster's death an "assassination."
"His loss underscores the real dangers that are routinely faced by those who protect and serve their fellow citizens, and will be a constant reminder that we are deeply indebted to our law enforcement officers for placing their lives on the line each and every day in order to preserve public safety," U.S. Attorney Damon Martinez said in a statement.
State charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery on a police officer with a deadly weapon will also be filed, police have said. On Tuesday a federal judge ordered Lymon held until trial, according to court documents.
