In the annals of the American Old West, certain figures stand out for their bravery, their unwavering commitment to justice, and their ability to stare down danger. Among them is Nabor Pacheco, a distinguished lawman from Tucson, Arizona, whose career was marked by incredible encounters. Pacheco served as a beat policeman, Tucson Constable, Pima County Territorial Sheriff, Tucson Chief of Police, and even a Deputy U.S. Marshal, navigating the treacherous landscape of early 20th-century Arizona. Every lawman hopes to avoid a deadly confrontation, but Pacheco found himself in at least three documented instances where his quick thinking and even quicker draw were the only things standing between order and chaos.
The Rancho Restaurant Standoff: Sirrado Martinez (1902)
One fateful day in May 1902, the tranquility of the Rancho restaurant was shattered. Sirrado Martinez entered with a sinister agenda: to murder proprietress Junana Aguirre and then take his own life. Providentially, Constable Nabor Pacheco was present. As Martinez drew his six-shooter, fate intervened – the weapon’s trigger snagged in his clothing. This momentary delay was all Pacheco needed. With lightning speed, he drew his own gun, covering Martinez and disarming him before tragedy could unfold. Frustrated, Martinez then attempted suicide by drinking carbolic acid. Pacheco, despite being burned by the acid in the struggle, prevented further self-harm. Martinez was arrested, a testament to Pacheco’s coolness under pressure and swift action that averted a double tragedy.
The Wild Willard Hotel Shootout: Alexander Casey (1903)
Just a year later, in October 1903, Pacheco was thrust into another perilous situation, this time involving Alexander Casey, a prominent hotel owner who, fueled by alcohol, went on a violent rampage at the Willard Hotel. Casey barricaded himself in a room, firing indiscriminately into the hallway. When peace officers, including Constable Pacheco, arrived, a chaotic shootout ensued. Bullets peppered the hotel, and in the melee, Pacheco sustained two wounds: one in his left arm near the armpit and another slight scratch near his left ear. Despite being hit, Pacheco and the other officers managed to overpower and arrest the dangerous Casey. The incident, which saw at least forty shots fired, was a stark reminder of the unpredictable and often brutal nature of law enforcement in the Old West, and Pacheco’s resolve in the face of extreme danger.
A Classic Confrontation: Capturing Jesus Trujio (1906)
The year 1906 brought perhaps Pacheco’s most iconic encounter – a classic Old West face-off against a notorious outlaw. Sheriff Nabor Pacheco received intelligence that Jesus Trujio, a desperado wanted in three counties for horse theft and other serious crimes, had been spotted in Tucson. Trujio had a reputation and was actively sought by the Arizona Rangers. Pacheco, responding swiftly, located Trujio in a vacant lot. As the two men spotted each other, Trujio reached for his revolver. But Pacheco was faster. His hand never left the holster as Sheriff Pacheco had his gun drawn, covering Trujio instantly.
