Taos, NM -On Saturday, July 1, 2023, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate an officer involved shooting involving the Taos Police Department and Taos Pueblo Police Department at 203 Siler Road in Taos, NM
State Police Investigations Bureau agents learned, that on July 1, at around 1:30 p.m., Taos Police received a trespassing call at 203 Siler Road. Upon arrival, a Taos Police officer made contact with 26-year old Lance Aguilar and a 29-year old female. At some point during the interaction, Mr. Aguilar brandished a firearm, and shot towards the officer, striking the officer. A Taos Pueblo officer who had arrived on scene, discharged at least one round from their duty weapon.
Mr. Aguilar ran between buildings on State Road 68 and attempted to car jack a pickup truck. Mr. Aguilar fired into the truck when the attempt to take the truck was unsuccessful. The truck fled the scene.
Mr. Aguilar then ran across State Road 68 and a Taos Police officer discharged at least one round from their duty weapon, striking Mr. Aguilar.
Mr. Aguilar was transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Taos Police Officer who was shot was treated at an area hospital and released with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Taos Police officers and Taos Pueblo officer involved in this incident will not be identified by the New Mexico State Police. For the name of the officer’s, information on their duty status, or administrative actions taken, please contact the Taos Police Department and Taos Pueblo Police Department.
This investigation is ongoing and is being led by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau.
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 review.
The New Mexico State Police acts solely as a factfinder in its cases and does not determine whether an officer’s actions 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.
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