LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) - New Mexico State Police have confirmed that Las Cruces police used a controversial vascular neck restraint and a stun gun on a suspect before he died. A state police report released Tuesday said Officer Christopher Smelser used a vascular neck restraint on Antonio Valenzuela who fled from a traffic stop last month. According to authorities, the 40-year-old Valenzuela had an open bench warrant for a parole violation. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The police use of vascular neck restraint, sometimes called a chokehold, has been the subject of protests in some communities.

Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.