Written by Officer Dusty Francisco 9/22/202
This update provides additional details of the incident. For identity of the APD officer please contact APD.
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).
After further investigation, agents learned on Monday, September 6, 2021, at approximately 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.
Before the NMSP Tactical Team arrived on scene, TCSO deputies were conducting negotiations with a male, who was later identified as Cimmaron Christy (46) of Moriarty, NM. He allowed his wife who was inside the residence to leave. She was safely secured in a police vehicle. Negotiations were then transferred to the New Mexico State Police Crisis Negotiations Team to have Christy surrender peacefully.
The NMSP Tactical team arrived in a Tactical Vehicle and parked on the southeastern side of the residence. Christy exited the northwest side of the residence and fired multiple times towards the officers.
As negotiators continued their attempts to negotiate a peaceful surrender, Christy, who was still armed with the firearm, ignored all attempts.
Christy made threatening statements to shoot at his neighbors. At this time, a SWAT officer from the Albuquerque Police Department fired his department issued firearm towards Christy.
Christy was struck by gunfire and suffered fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
No deputies or officers were injured during the incident. For the name and administrative actions on the SWAT officer involved please reach out to the Albuquerque Police Department.
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 fact finders 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.
This incident remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau.