Derick Salaza
NMSP News:
On Jan. 9, 2024, the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Investigations Bureau was contacted by the Española Police Department (EPD) to investigate an officer-involved shooting.
State Police agents learned that at around 8 p.m., an EPD officer stopped a vehicle on Railroad Avenue for a traffic violation. Through the interaction with the vehicle’s occupants, the officer learned the passenger, Derick Salazar, 33, of Española, had an outstanding felony arrest warrant for burglary. The officer also saw a large machete in the vehicle. The driver was Brandon Archuleta, 29, of Española, who has an extensive felony criminal history of controlled substance possession, burglary, aggravated assault, and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Brandon Archuleta
An EPD sergeant arrived on the scene to assist. The sergeant tried to have Salazar get out of the vehicle, but Salazar resisted. At this point in the encounter, the sergeant discharged his taser into the car, but it was unsuccessful. Archuleta then fled the traffic stop in the vehicle with Salazar still inside. EPD officers returned to their patrol vehicles, and a pursuit ensued.
Archuleta stopped the vehicle again near Angel Duran Drive and North Prince Drive a short time later. Both Archuleta and Salazar got out of the car and fled on foot. EPD officers chased the suspects on foot. During the foot pursuit, Archuleta pulled out a gun and fired at least one round at the officers. Two EPD officers discharged their duty weapons at least once, striking Archuleta.
Salazar continued to flee and is currently wanted on his outstanding burglary warrant and additional charges from this incident. Archuleta was treated at a local hospital and airlifted to an Albuquerque hospital for treatment of his injuries, which are believed to be non-life threatening. When he is released, he will be booked on the charges from this incident.
The Española Police Department will be filing the charges against Archuleta and Salazar for this incident. For details on those charges please contact EPD. No officers were injured during the incident. For the duty status and any administrative action taken on the officers please contact EPD.
The New Mexico State Police acts solely as factfinders in its investigations and conducts an unbiased and impartial investigation.
In officer-involved shootings, NMSP works to thoroughly document the scene, collect evidence, and interview officers, subjects, and witnesses. In turn, the agency compiles as detailed a set of facts as possible and forwards all reports and evidence to the appropriate District Attorney for their further review and consideration.
The New Mexico State Police does not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified in these types of matters. This determination rests solely with the District Attorney reviewing the investigation.
