NMSP News:
GALLUP — Dec. 10, 2023, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting involving the Gallup Police Department (GPD).
Investigations Bureau agents learned that at around 9:30 p.m., a GPD officer was called to a disturbance at 200 Western Skies Road. A 21-year-old male from Gallup, was asked to leave the residence and refused to do so. As the GPD officer approached the male suspect, the male walked back to a silver Toyota Camry, opened the door to the vehicle, and a handgun fell to the ground.
The suspect picked the gun up, took a fighting stance, and racked the slide of the handgun. He then got into the vehicle and fled the scene, initiating a pursuit. The pursuit was terminated by GPD once the vehicle left the city limits.
A GPD lieutenant then observed a vehicle matching the description of the Toyota, and a second pursuit was initiated. A New Mexico State Police officer who was in the area, was able to successfully deploy stop sticks on Interstate 40 near mile marker 25.
The vehicle exited the Interstate and drove into a Blake’s Lotaburger restaurant parking lot in Gallup and fled on foot. While fleeing on foot, the suspect attempted to steal a white Jeep that was in the parking lot. A GPD sergeant witnessed the suspect attempting to steal the Jeep. At some point during the encounter, the GPD sergeant discharged at least one round from his duty weapon, striking the suspect.
The suspect was transported to an area hospital, then flown to a hospital in Albuquerque. His condition is unknown. No officers were injured during this incident.
The GPD officer involved will not be identified by the New Mexico State Police. For information on their duty status or administrative actions taken, please contact the Gallup Police Department.
For information regarding charges for the suspect, please contact the Gallup Police Department.
New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the district attorney for review.
The New Mexico State Police acts solely as a factfinder in its cases and does not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the district attorney’s office. This incident remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.
