Gallup agents struck a man with bean bag rounds while arresting him on two warrants

Agents with the Violent Drug Task Force struck a man with bean bag rounds while arresting him on two warrants, the Gallup Police Department said.

The department said agents located Dunte Elleby, 36, in the area of Elva Drive and Park Avenue in Gallup. The arrest happened on Sept. 10, it said. Elleby had two confirmed warrants for his arrest for battery on a peace officer, resisting/evading an officer, and a probation violation with the courts.

Agents warned Elleby several times to get on the ground, but he would not obey commands and attempted to flee, the department said. Agents had less-lethal bean bag and 40 MM impact munition sponge round launchers available and gave warnings, and then struck him with bean bag rounds. Agents assisted Elleby to the ground as he continued to ignore commands.

The department said agents took precautionary measures because Elleby had previously fled and resisted officers, and said that due to his battery on a peace officer charges he is known to be combative.

Elleby was processed and booked for his warrants and was charged with resisting, evading and obstructing an officer, a misdemeanor.