Deputy Marshal Philip Olivas

Deputy Marshal Philip Olivas

Mesilla Marshal's Office, New Mexico

End of Watch Tuesday, September 1, 1992

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Philip Olivas

Deputy Marshal Philip Olivas was struck and killed by a vehicle just after midnight.

He had stopped a person for suspicion of drunk driving when the man jumped out of his vehicle and fled on foot along Union Avenue near County Road 37 west of Mesilla Park. Deputy Olivas chased him on foot along the county road and then down an unlit road, where he caught up to him. He then told a bystander to go to his cruiser and call for assistance as he was struggling with the suspect in the roadway.

A responding unit came down the unlit road and did not see the two fighting until it was too late and struck them both. The subject died at the scene, and Deputy Olivas died about 30 minutes later.

The suspect ran because he was driving on a revoked license.

Deputy Olivas was a U.S. Air Force veteran and served with the Mesilla Marshal's Office for only 24 days. He is survived by his two daughters.

Bio

  • Age 25
  • Tour 3 weeks
  • Badge 306
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Struck by vehicle

foot pursuit, Impaired Driver, traffic stop

Most Recent Reflection

View all 24 Reflections

Deputy Marshal Olivas,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USAF. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 1, 2022

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