Written by Officer Dusty Francisco 4/04/2022
Bernalillo County, NM- On April 4, 2022, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate a police shooting involving the Isleta Police Department (IPD). Agents learned, at about 0036 hrs., the Los Lunas Police Department (LLPD) attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a red Hyundai Sedan near 702 Los Lentes Road in Los Lunas, NM. The Hyundai, which was reported as stolen, did not stop. A pursuit was initiated by LLPD with the assistance of the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO).
During the pursuit, the Hyundai merged onto the northbound lane of Interstate 25. Both LLPD and VCSO discontinued their pursuit and relayed information about the stolen vehicle to the Isleta Police Department (IPD) and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO).
A short time later, an IPD officer who was in the area of Broadway, approaching Interstate 25, observed a red Hyundai matching the description traveling north on Broadway. The IPD officer initiated his emergency equipment and attempted to make a traffic stop. The Hyundai fled and drove southbound onto the Interstate 25 northbound off-ramp nearly striking an IPD officer exiting Interstate 25. The Hyundai merged onto Interstate 25 traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of travel. As the Hyundai approached milepost 213, the driver drove toward two IPD officers who were parked on the northbound shoulder. At that time, one IPD officer discharged his department-issued firearm toward the Hyundai. The Hyundai continued to travel south and exited Interstate 25 at Isleta Boulevard. At that time, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office began to pursue the Hyundai. BCSO deployed tire deflation devices, which were successful. The driver of the Hyundai continued to flee traveling eastbound on Rio Bravo attempting to enter Interstate 25 at the Rio Bravo on-ramp. BCSO deputies conducted a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver to prevent the Hyundai from entering Interstate 25 northbound. The PIT maneuver was successful and the suspect vehicle came to rest on the Rio Bravo on-ramp. The driver, who was later identified as, Jason Ramirez (33) of Los Lunas, NM exited the driver seat of the Hyundai and fled on foot. After a short foot pursuit, Ramirez was taken into custody by BCSO.
Ramirez was not struck by gunfire. He was transported to an area hospital where he was treated for injuries not related to the incident.
An arrest warrant was issued for Jason Ramirez by the Second Judicial District Court in Bernalillo County. Ramirez was charged with the following:
- Aggravated Assault Upon Peace Officer (2 Counts)
- Aggravated Assault Upon a Peace Officer to commit a Violent Felony
- Aggravated Fleeing a Law Enforcement Officer
- Receiving or Transferring a Stolen Motor Vehicle (possession)
- Resisting, Evading, or Obstructing an Officer (fleeing, evading, or attempting to evade)
There were three other passengers in the Hyundai, a female, and two males. One male identified as Daniel Sanchez (37) of Los Lunas, NM, was arrested on an unrelated felony warrant. The female and other male passenger who were detained and released, will not be identified by the New Mexico State Police.
No deputies or officers were injured during the incident. The identification of the Isleta Police officer involved will not be released by the New Mexico State Police. For information on the Isleta Police officer, duty status, and administrative actions, please contact IPD.
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.