NMSP News:

SANTA FE — At around 11:32 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Investigations Bureau was asked to investigate a police shooting involving the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred at a residence at 17715C U.S. Highway 84/285 West Frontage Road north of Santa Fe.

State Police agents learned that the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office had been dispatched to the residence for a domestic dispute.

Deputies were told that Adolfo Chavez, 43, of Santa Fe, was irate with a family member and was armed with two knives in the residence. Deputies were told there was a potential victim still in the residence with the armed individual.

When deputies arrived, they announced their presence and attempted to make contact with Chavez inside the residence, but they received no response from him. Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Michael Delgado and two other deputies entered the residence and located Chavez hiding in a bathroom. Deputies gave him commands to exit the bathroom unarmed.  

Chavez exited the bathroom still armed with the knives and closed the distance between him and the deputies. Lt. Delgado feared for his life and the life of his deputies so he fired two rounds from his duty weapon, striking Chavez.

After the incident, deputies provided medical aid to Chavez until the ambulance arrived. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment where he remains hospitalized, his current condition is unknown.

Chavez has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer. The deputies involved were uninjured. Lt. Delgado has been employed with the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office for 16 years.

This case remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau. At the completion of the investigation, all reports and evidence will be turned over to the appropriate District Attorney’s office.