New Mexico State Police said an officer shot and killed a suspect in Albuquerque Saturday. There is no ongoing threat to the public.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico State Police said an officer fatally shot a 26-year-old man after police said he fired a handgun during a struggle after a foot chase.
NMSP said the shooting happened Oct. 3 after an officer saw two men jaywalking near Cochiti Road and California Street at about 12:11 p.m.
Police said the officer got out of his patrol car and told the men they were being detained. One man, later identified as Izaeah Elajah-Amar Washington, started walking away, refused orders to stop and then ran.
The officer chased Washington on foot to detain him, according to NMSP. Police said the two struggled after the officer caught up to him and both fell to the ground.
What happened next?
NMSP said Washington pulled out a handgun during the struggle and fired at least one round, missing the officer.
Police said the officer then fired his department-issued firearm, hitting Washington at least once.
Emergency crews took Washington to a local hospital, where he later died, according to NMSP. Police said the gun Washington had was stolen and the officer was not hurt.
What comes next?
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau and a Multi-Agency Task Force are investigating. NMSP said the task force includes the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and the Albuquerque Police Department.
Police said they will not release the officer’s name until interviews are complete and that the officer is on standard administrative leave.