NMSP NEWS

On November 19, 2020, at approximately 8:32 a.m., a New Mexico State Police Officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a grey Chrysler 200 passenger vehicle on Manzano Expressway in Los Lunas, New Mexico. The vehicle fled and a pursuit was initiated. 

The suspect driver headed northbound on Manzano Expressway. The officer observed the suspect vehicle travel in and out of opposing lanes of traffic. During the pursuit, tire deflation devices were deployed at which the suspect avoided, by traveling into oncoming traffic nearly striking a vehicle. A State Police supervisor terminated the pursuit due to road conditions and traffic.

At approximately 8:39 a.m., State Police were notified through dispatch of a male subject standing in the middle of Manzano Expressway attempting to stop traffic. Two State Police officers arrived on scene and conducted a felony stop. When an officer attempted to take the suspect into custody, the suspect resisted arrest and a physical altercation ensued. During the altercation, the male suspect grabbed one of the officer’s firearm. At that point, the other State Police officer fired at least one round from his department issued sidearm striking the male suspect. 

The officers rendered aid to the suspect on scene until EMS arrived. He was transported by emergency personnel to an area hospital in Albuquerque, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate the incident. The identification of the male suspect and officers will not be released by the New Mexico State Police at this time. The officer has been placed on standard leave. No officers were injured during the incident. This information is preliminary, and the investigation is still active and ongoing.