Written by Officer Dusty Francisco 09/07/2021
Torrance County- On Tuesday, September 7, 2021, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was contacted to investigate an officer involved shooting involving an officer from the Albuquerque Police Department SWAT Team who was assisting the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) and the New Mexico State Police (NMSP).
Agents learned on Monday, September 6, 2021, at around 9:54 p.m., TCSO deputies and NMSP officers responded to a domestic violence call at 23 Short Street in Moriarty, NM. When deputies and officers arrived, a male subject inside the residence fired multiple shots at them. Deputies and officers retreated to a safe distance and called for assistance. The New Mexico State Police Crisis Negotiations Team, New Mexico State Police Tactical Team with the assistance of the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) SWAT Team responded to the scene. As the Crisis Negotiations Team attempted to negotiate a peaceful surrender, the male suspect fired shots towards officers. A SWAT officer from the Albuquerque Police Department returned fire, fatally wounding the male suspect. The male suspect who has been identified as Cimmeron Christy (46) of Moriarty, NM was pronounced deceased on scene from his injuries.
The name of the officer involved will not be released until interviews are completed. No deputies or officers were injured during the incident. For questions regarding the initial call please contact the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office. For information regarding administrative actions on the SWAT officer from the Albuquerque Police Department, please contact APD. This investigation remains active and is being led by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau. Upon completion of the investigation, this case will be given to the district attorney’s office for review.
The 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 their review and consideration. The New Mexico State Police acts solely as factfinders in its cases and does not determine whether the actions of an officer were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the district attorney’s office.