New Mexico State Police say a Santa Fe County sheriff’s deputy shot and killed a 36-year-old man after he fired at the deputy.
According to NMSP, the shooting happened April 18 after a deputy tried to stop a motorcycle for speeding near Agua Fria and San Felipe at around 4 A.M.
The police say the motorcycle fled. Later, the deputy saw the same motorcycle on a bike near the Vista Linda Apartments at 6332 Entrada Del Milagro.
Investigators say the rider went into the apartment complex parking lot and tried to get away through a corridor toward Paseo Del Sol.
The deputy turned on emergency lights, got out, and chased him on foot, got out and chased him on foot.
State police say the deputy caught up to the rider and pushed both him and the motorcycle to the ground.
During the encounter, investigators say the man pulled a gun and fired at the deputy but missed. The deputy strike back and hit the suspect.
Response and Investigators
Backup deputies gave aid until emergency crews arrived, according to NMSP. They say the man died from his injuries despite lifesaving efforts.
The police identified him as a 36-year-old Randall Brian Lopez.
Meanwhile, the deputy was not hit by gunfire however he got burns to the face that were consistent with muzzle flash, according to investigators.
According to them, someone stole Lopez’s gun, and Lopez had a lengthy and violent criminal history that included prior charges of first-degree murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, concealing identity, and resisting or evading an officer.
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is still investigating and won’t disclose the deputy’s name at this time.
