Courtesy/NMSP

NMSP News:

LOS LUNAS — Feb. 20, 2024, the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting involving the Los Lunas Police Department (LLPD). 

Investigations Bureau agents learned that at around 9:15 a.m., LLPD officers were called to a domestic violence call in progress at 451 Vista Drive SW. Lucas Barros, 42, was involved in an altercation with his wife. When LLPD officers approached the residence, they observed the wife attempting to leave.

As officers were speaking with Barros outside, they asked Barros to release a young child who was still inside the residence. Barros released the child and then walked back inside the residence and retrieved a firearm. 

When Barros came back outside with the firearm, he pointed the weapon in the direction of the officers and fired. At least one LLPD officer discharged at least one round from their duty weapon, striking Barros.

Barros was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. No officers were injured during this incident.

The LLPD officers will not be identified by the New Mexico State Police. For information on their duty status or administrative actions taken, please contact the Los Lunas 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 officer involved shootings and does not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified. That decision rests with the district attorney’s office. This incident remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.