LAS CRUCES – The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is investigating an officer-involved shooting involving the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office that left one man dead early Saturday morning in Santa Fe.
According to the New Mexico State Police, the incident happened April 18th at approximately 4:00 a.m. when a Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop a motorcycle for speeding near Agua F
ria and San Felipe. Authorities say the motorcycle fled from the attempted traffic stop.
State Police agents reported that the deputy later observed the same motorcycle traveling on a bike path near the Vista Linda Apartments on Entrada Del Milagro. The suspect then fled into the apartment complex parking lot and attempted to evade capture by traveling through a corridor within the complex toward Paseo Del Sol.
Officials say the deputy activated emergency lights, exited the patrol unit, and pursued the suspect on foot. During the encounter, the deputy caught up to the suspect and pushed both the man and the motorcycle to the ground.
Investigators say the suspect then produced a firearm and fired at the deputy, missing him. The deputy returned fire, striking the suspect.
Additional deputies arrived at the scene and rendered aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. Despite lifesavin
g measures, the suspect died from his injuries.
Authorities identified the suspect as 36-year-old Randall Brian Lopez. Investigators determined the firearm in his possession had been reported stolen.
The deputy was not struck by gunfire but was treated for burns to the face, consistent with injuries caused by muzzle flash during the incident.
The case remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau. Officials say the agency serves as a fact-finding body and will forward all reports and evidence to the appropriate district attorney, who will determine whether the deputy’s actions were justified.
All individuals accused of crimes are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
By John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications, LLC –
john@bravomic.com
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