ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A New Mexico State Police officer fatally shot a man who fired a handgun during a struggle following a foot pursuit on October 3, 2026.
The encounter began at about 12:11 p.m. when the officer saw two men jaywalking on Cochiti Road near the intersection of California Street. He exited his patrol car and told the men they were being detained. One of the men, later identified as Izaeah Elajah-Amar Washington, 26, began walking away. The officer ordered him to stop, but Washington refused and began running.
The officer pursued Washington on foot in an effort to detain him. When he caught up to Washington, a physical struggle ensued and they fell to the ground. During the altercation, Washington brandished a handgun and fired at least one round, missing the officer. In response, the officer discharged his department-issued-firearm at Washington, striking him at least once.
Emergency medical personnel arrived shortly afterward, rendered aid, and transported Washington to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
The firearm in Washington’s possession was determined to be stolen.
The officer was not injured.
This case remains under investigation by the NMSP Investigations Bureau and the Multi-Agency Task Force which includes the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and the Albuquerque Police Department.
The identity of the NMSP officer will not be released until interviews are completed. The officer has been placed on standard administrative leave. New Mexico State Police act solely as factfinders in their investigations and conduct them in an unbiased and impartial manner. In all officer-involved shootings, NMSP thoroughly documents the scene, collects evidence, and interviews officers, subjects, and witnesses.
In turn, the agency compiles the facts as fully as possible and forwards all reports and evidence to the appropriate district attorney for review. The New Mexico State Police does not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified; this determination rests solely with the District Attorney’s Office.