Written by Officer Dusty Francisco 3/3/2022
This update identifies the deceased male suspect that was involved in the multi-agency officer-involved shooting.
On February 28, 2022, Raphael Marquez (31) was positively identified by the Office of Medical Investigator.
Valencia County, NM- On Friday, February 25, 2022, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was contacted to investigate a multi-agency officer-involved shooting.
On February 25, 2022, at approximately 10:50 pm., the New Mexico State Police received information from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) about a wanted suspect for Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon on a household member, who was also a person of interest in multiple homicides, and had a violent criminal history. The suspect was traveling south on Interstate 25 in a maroon Ford F-350 pickup truck. BCSO requested the assistance of the New Mexico State Police with the deployment of tire deflation devices in an attempt to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. At around milepost 195, a New Mexico State Police Sergeant deployed tire deflation devices. The driver of the Ford drove over the devices and continued to travel south on Interstate 25.
A New Mexico State Police officer in the area located the vehicle and initiated a pursuit. During the pursuit, the Ford drove through the city of Belen and drove the wrong way down an off ramp, before merging and going southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 25 the wrong way. At around milepost 190, a New Mexico State Police officer utilized a pursuit intervention technique (PIT) maneuver in an attempt to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. After the PIT maneuver was utilized, the vehicle came to stop after it rolled in the dirt shoulder.
BCSO Swat Team members and Belen Police Department Officers arrived on scene to assist the New Mexico State Police Officer. Officers gave the male driver numerous commands to exit the vehicle and surrender peacefully. At some point during the encounter, two BCSO deputies along with the New Mexico State Police officer discharged their department-issued firearms toward the male subject. The male subject was struck by gunfire at least once. Officers immediately rendered aid. The male subject succumbed to his gunshot injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene.
New Mexico State Police is currently working with the Office of Medical Investigator to positively identify the male subject.
No officers or deputies were injured during the incident. The identification of the New Mexico State Police Officer will not be released until interviews are complete. For information on the BCSO deputies involved, their duty status, and administrative actions, please contact BCSO.
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau agents work to independently determine the series of events that led up to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings are 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.