LAS CRUCES – The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is continuing its investigation into an officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday afternoon in Torrance County involving deputies from the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office and officers with New Mexico State Police.
According to State Police, the incident began on April 21, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m., when Torrance County deputies responded to a report of shots fired at a residence located at 15 NM 131 in Manzano, New Mexico. The reporting party told dispatchers that a relative was discharging a firearm on the property.
Deputies arrived at the residence and made contact with Edward Lopez at the front door. While speaking with Lopez through a screen door, deputies informed him that he had an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for his arrest. Authorities say Lopez then retreated into the residence and returned armed with a rifle.
An exchange of gunfire occurred between Lopez and deputies. Following the initial gunfire, deputies requested additional law enforcement units and established a perimeter around the area.
As additional deputies arrived, they observed Lopez fleeing the residence to a nearby property. The Torrance County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from New Mexico State Police specialized units, including the Tactical Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, Crime Scene Team, and the Investigations Bureau.
Officials say the Crisis Negotiation Team arrived first with the goal of establishing communication and safely taking Lopez into custody, noting he was known to have a history of mental health issues.
State Police tactical officers later tracked Lopez to an adjacent property, where a second exchange of gunfire occurred. Lopez was struck during the encounter. Officers rendered aid at the scene until emergency medical services arrived. Lopez was transported to a nearby volunteer fire station, where he later died from his injuries. A .22 caliber rifle was recovered from the scene.
No law enforcement officers or civilians were injured during the incident. The case remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau.
State Police officials say the names of the deputies and officers involved will not be released at this time. The agency noted that in officer-involved shootings, investigators document the scene, collect evidence, and conduct interviews before forwarding the case to the appropriate district attorney for review.
Authorities emphasized that the New Mexico State Police act solely as factfinders and do not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified. That determination is made by the district attorney after reviewing the completed investigation.
A press conference regarding the incident was held April 22 at 9:00 a.m. at the New Mexico State Police District 5 office in Albuquerque. The video from that briefing is expected to be posted on the official New Mexico State Police Facebook page.
All persons mentioned in this report are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
By John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications LLC
john@bravomic.com
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