For Immediate Release

Las Cruces, NM – On August 11, 2011, Deputy United States Marshals apprehended Nicholas Vallejos, 23, in Las Cruces, NM. Vallejos is wanted in connection with the stabbing of New Mexico State Aggie basketball player Makhtar Diop. Late last night, U.S. Marshals and Officers from the Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD) developed leads into the whereabouts of Vallejos. Members of the U.S. Marshals Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team (SWIFT) task force responded to the 1200 block of Monte Vista Drive in Las Cruces, NM. Deputies observed Nicholas Vallejos walking down the street and quickly took the offender into custody without incident.

On July 31, 2011, at 2 A.M. Las Cruces PD was dispatched to 500 S. Main St., Graham Central Station night club, in reference to a stabbing. Upon arrival, police learned New Mexico State University (NMSU) basketball player Makhtar Diop was stabbed multiple times with a beer bottle. Through investigation LCPD learned the suspect was Nicolas Vallejos. On August 10, 2011, Vallejos was identified through a photo lineup and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Within hours of the warrant being signed, SWIFT task force officers tracked down and apprehended Nicholas Vallejos. Vallejos was booked into custody and charged with Aggravated Battery Deadly Weapon and Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Battery.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.

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