Written by Officer Ray Wilson 12/13/2021
Torrance County, NM – On December 13, 2021, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was called to investigate an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) involving the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO).
NMSP Investigations Bureau agents learned that on December 13, 2021, at around 9:00 a.m., TCSO deputies were dispatched to 610 West Alan Ayers in reference to a shots fired call. A caller stated that a male came into her backyard wearing a black hoodie and a red facemask and fired at least one shot. The male left walking westbound on West Alan Ayers Road.
A TCSO deputy responded and contacted the suspect near West Alan Ayers and Lassiter Roads. For reasons still under investigation the deputy discharged his duty weapon at least once striking the suspect. Deputies started administering first aid to the suspect who suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. The suspect was taken to OMI for positive identification and autopsy.
The name of the deputy involved will not be released until interviews have been conducted. For the duty status of the deputy involved please contact TCSO
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. This incident remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau.