The Las Cruces Police Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Sunday, Feb. 8, with the initial call received at approximately 7:21 a.m.
Preliminary information indicates an officer working approved off-duty employment at Walmart, 1550 S. Valley Drive., was flagged down regarding a bicycle theft. The officer located the suspect and attempted to detain him.
During the encounter, the suspect fired at least one round at the officer. The officer returned fire. The suspect then fled the scene on foot.
Additional officers responded and attempted to establish a perimeter. During that response, additional exchanges of gunfire occurred. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.
This incident involved multiple scenes surrounding Valley Drive, all of which were secured by responding officers.
No other information is available at this time. Las Cruces police anticipates holding a news conference on this incident once more information is confirmed.
Walmart on Valley Drive and the surrounding area and businesses may be impacted as the investigation is completed.
The Officer-involved Incident Task Force includes investigators from New Mexico State Police, the Las Cruces Police Department, Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico State University Police. The task force gathers facts in the case and presents those facts to the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office.