Officer assault trial slated

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Attorneys for both sides said Tuesday they are prepared for the case of a Portales man accused of assaulting a Portales police officer.

Ortega

Anthony Ortega, 28, is scheduled on Sept. 12 to face charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, disarming a peace officer and resisting, evading or obstructing an officer.

Ortega was arrested in April on accusations of assaulting an officer following a routine traffic stop.

The officer was shot with his own gun during the altercation.

According to officials:

• Officer Nicholas Laurenz and two other officers conducted a traffic stop on April 11 in which Ortega and another man, both with active warrants, ran from police.

• During a physical altercation with Ortega, Laurenz’ handgun discharged while still in its holster, injuring Laurenz in the leg.

During a pre-trial conference Tuesday, Assistant District Attorney Jake Boazman and defense attorney Tye Harmon both told District Judge Donna Mowrer they are prepared to move forward with the trial.

Boazman was in court on behalf of District Attorney Andrea Reeb, who will prosecute the case.

Neither attorney anticipates making any motions regarding the case, but they asked that it be kept on the docket until trial.

Mowrer said a docket call is set for Sept. 6, and any motions must be made by that date.