ESPANOLA, N.M. (AP) - A northern New Mexico sheriff’s deputy is facing criticism after a video showed him using a stun gun on a high school student with special needs.
The May 10 episode at Española Valley High School has attracted the attention of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico and state Attorney General Hector Balderas.
According to a lapel video, Rio Arriba County sheriff’s deputy Jeremy Barnes used a stun gun a 15-year-old boy after he refused to follow orders and called the deputy a homophobic slur. The story on the video was first reported by the Rio Grande Sun .
Officials say the boy had been detained on suspicion of taking part in a drug deal.
Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Randy Sanches said the office has launched an internal investigation.
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This story corrects a previous version to say student used slur not the deputy.
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