05/30/2026
Update from New Mexico State Police
NMSP involved in fatal OIS in Veguita
Veguita, NM – On May 29, 2026, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting (OIS) involving New Mexico State Police officers in Veguita.
State Police agents learned that on May 29, 2026, at approximately 12:15 p.m., New Mexico State Police officers and deputies with the Socorro County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to 23 Peralta Place in reference to a 911 call. The reporting party stated that a male was on their property armed with a firearm and had fired a gun in their direction.
Officers responded to the residence, observed the male, and issued commands for him to walk toward them with his hands raised and empty. The male refused to comply and instead retreated toward his residence.
Search and arrest warrants were petitioned for, and the New Mexico State Police Tactical Team, along with the Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT), responded to the scene. CNT established communication with the male and made multiple attempts to have him safely surrender to law enforcement.
The male later walked toward the NMSP officers, armed with a gun. At that time, New Mexico State Police officers ordered the male to drop the gun, and ultimately discharged their department-issued fi****ms, striking the male. Officers immediately rendered aid; however, the male succumbed to his injuries.
Following the incident, officers located a firearm near the suspect. The identity of the suspect will be withheld until a next of kin notification has been made.
No officers or other members of the public were injured during this incident. This case remains under investigation by the NMSP Investigations Bureau.
The officers have been placed on standard administrative leave. New Mexico State Police act solely as factfinders in their investigations and conducts 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.
