Personnel of the Albuquerque police fatally shot a 41-year-old man late Saturday after hearing gunfire and running toward the scene in Downtown Albuquerque, authorities said.
The Albuquerque Police Department identified the man as Stephen Griego. Emergency responders brought him to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
According to police, witnesses said Griego confronted another man near Central Avenue and Third Street shortly before the shooting. Videos circulating on social media appear to show moments leading up to the confrontation. Griego, who had gained a following on TikTok for live-streaming nightlife in Albuquerque, was seen standing on a scooter before an argument escalated into violence.
Videos capture confrontation
One video shows Griego on a scooter as another man approaches and pushes him. The person recording asks Griego whether he can perform tricks on the scooter. Griego shakes his head and gestures toward a group of people, warning the person filming to “watch out” for them.
Another man then asks who Griego is referring to. After Griego clarifies that he is referring to the person holding the camera, the man appears to slap and push him. Griego then runs to the opposite side of a barricade.
A separate video appears to show two men approaching Griego before he fires a handgun toward one of them. Seconds later, additional gunshots are heard as the person recording flees from the scene.
Officers respond to gunfire
APD Chief Cecily Barker said additional officers were patrolling Downtown that night as part of the department’s Downtown Tactical Plan.
“They heard a shot fired in the area of 3rd and Central. When they responded to that area, they saw two individuals who seemed to be in some type of altercation. One of those individuals was believed to be armed,” Barker said.
Police said several officers heard a gunshot at approximately 11:53 p.m. and ran in that direction. Four officers then fired their weapons at Griego. Officers took Griego into custody and began providing first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived.
APD spokesman Gilbert Gallegos said investigators are still investigating whether Griego or a police officer shot the other man involved in the confrontation. Hospital officials said the man’s injuries are not life-threatening.
Multiple investigations underway
The shooting incident was Albuquerque’s seventh officer-involved shooting of the year. It was the fifth that resulted in a fatality, according to APD.
The Multi-Agency Task Force will probe the shooting over the coming months. Detectives will interview additional witnesses, complete forensic testing, and submit their findings to the District Attorney’s Office to determine if any criminal charges are warranted.
Separately, APD’s Internal Affairs Force Division will review whether the officers complied with department rules of engagement. The city’s Superintendent of Police Reform will make any disciplinary decisions, while APD’s Force Review Board will examine the incident for possible policy or training recommendations.
