NMSP News:
Lincoln County – On June 22, 2024, the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting involving the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO).
Investigations Bureau agents learned that on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at approximately 12:55 p.m., the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received a call for service in reference to shoplifting at a Family Dollar store in Capitan. Victor Herrera, 22, and Maggie Mondragon, 25, were in a stolen Dodge Ram pickup truck when they shoplifted miscellaneous items from the Family Dollar. LCSO deputies located the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop but the vehicle fled from them until it pulled over on Hwy 380.
Both Herrera and Mondragon exited the stolen truck and attempted to flee on foot. LCSO deputies apprehended Mondragon, the driver of the vehicle. Herrera fled on foot in the mountains and was not apprehended at the time.
On this same day, at approximately 4:30 p.m., a BOLO (be on the lookout) was issued for Herrera. After fleeing on foot, he stole a white Ford truck and was located by LCSO deputies, who tried to conduct a traffic stop but Herrera continued to flee in the truck onto Salazar Canyon Road. A LCSO deputy set up spike strips on Salazar Canyon Road, but Herrera drove around the spike strips. At this time, the deputy fired at least one round from his duty weapon.
After the officer involved shooting, NMSP personnel responded to assist with the stolen vehicle pursuit. NMSP units located the stolen Ford truck and conducted a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) Maneuver, bringing the vehicle to a stop. Herrera was then taken into custody. He was transported to an area hospital to be treated for minor injuries sustained in the pursuit.
No officers were injured during this incident. For further information on charges against Mondragon, please contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Herrera was charged by NMSP for unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer.
The LCSO deputy will not be identified by the New Mexico State Police. For information on his duty status or administrative actions taken, please contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
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.
