Man Suspected of Pointing Rifle at Neighbor
Las Cruces police arrested a man suspected of entering a neighbor’s home and pointing a rifle at him.
Thomas W. Harding, 42, of the 1400 block of Walden Drive, is charged with one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a fourth-degree felony, and one second-degree felony count of aggravated burglary.
Shortly after 12 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 9, Las Cruces police were dispatched to a home on the 1400 block of Walden Drive. Investigators learned that Harding and a neighbor were friends at one point but had a disagreement several months earlier. Investigators learned that, about midnight, Harding went to his neighbor’s home and knocked on the door.
When the neighbor answered the door, he noticed Harding armed with a black rifle. The neighbor said Harding wanted to make a peace offering but appeared to be intoxicated. The neighbor attempted to shut the door, but Harding allegedly placed is foot in the doorway preventing the door from closing.
When the neighbor retrieving a phone to call 911, Harding allegedly entered the home and pointed the rifle at his former friend. The neighbor called 911 and Harding went back to his residence.
Officers tried to make contact with Harding, but he initially refused to exit his home. Eventually, Harding exited the home and was taken into custody. Police located the rifle which turned out to be a BB gun.
Harding was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he is being held on a $5,000 bond.
