Police: Albuquerque officer shot in traffic stop has died

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A police officer shot during a traffic stop in Albuquerque last week died early Thursday, just more than a week after an ex-convict opened fire on the decorated police veteran outside a pharmacy, police said.

Chief Gorden Eden said in a statement that Officer Daniel Webster died at 2:30 a.m. Thursday. He had served on the police force for nearly nine years.

“Officer Webster was the very best example of a life committed to public service, through his service to our country and to our community,” Eden said in a message to the police force early Thursday. “He leaves a legacy of excellence and commitment, and we honor his life through our ongoing service to our community.”

Webster suffered gunshot wounds to his upper body and jaw on the night of Oct. 21 after Davon Lymon, 34, opened fire outside a pharmacy and fled, police said.

Lymon’s lengthy criminal history and those of men charged in other recent high-profile cases in New Mexico have led to widespread criticism from law enforcement officials. They are calling on the Legislature to enact sentencing reforms, and increase resources for police and prosecutors in high-crime areas.

In the days following the shooting, Eden described Webster as a high-performing, highly decorated officer who had served in the U.S. Army. He had recently left a detective post to patrol the streets as the force faced an officer shortage.

“Today our hearts are heavy as we grieve the loss of APD officer Daniel Webster,” said Mayor Richard Berry. “Keep the men and women of APD close to your hearts today and always.”

Webster had undergone emergency surgeries after the shooting, police said.

According to authorities, Webster had pulled over Lymon for riding a motorcycle with a stolen license plate. When they found Lymon, he was hiding in a shed with a handcuff on his left wrist. The suspect was hospitalized for injuries he suffered when he was apprehended by a police dog.

Authorities also said a .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol was found in a vacant lot where Lymon headed after the shooting.

Lymon is in federal custody and faces one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to court records. A judge has ordered he remain jailed pending trial.

Lymon’s criminal record in New Mexico includes voluntary manslaughter and aggravated battery charges from 2001. He pleaded guilty to charges in that case, and to fraud and forgery charges from the year before. He also faced aggravated battery and kidnapping charges last year that were dismissed, court records show.