LAS CRUCES - A 24-year-old man who allegedly ran over a police officer and was subsequently shot began jury trial before 3rd Judicial District Court Judge Lisa Schultz on Tuesday.

James Weaver allegedly ran over a Las Cruces Police Department officer who was attempting a traffic stop at about 2 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008.

Weaver failed to stop and led officer Edward Villareal on a pursuit lasting several blocks before the officer got out of his vehicle and was run over by Weaver's Dodge pickup.

Villareal responded by firing at Weaver with his duty weapon, police said.

Weaver was subsequently charged with assault with intent to commit a violent felony upon a peace officer, aggravated battery upon a peace officer with a deadly weapon, failure to obey traffic control devices, reckless driving and resisting, evading or obstructing an officer.

Weaver was released on bond in September and filed suit against the city in November, alleging he suffered great bodily injury as a result of the shooting. That case is still pending.


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