The New Mexico State Police is investigating a police shooting involving officers from the Alamogordo Police Department. Authorities confirmed the details through an official statement.
On August 26, 2026, at approximately 11:42 a.m., a citizen called 911 from 1711 Alamo Avenue. The caller reported a suicidal male armed with a rifle. There were three family members inside the house with the man identified as Keith Charles Cowgill, 50, of Alamogordo.
As officers responded, the three family members left the residence, but Cowgill remained inside. When officers arrived, they established a perimeter around the residence. The Alamogordo Police Department made numerous attempts to contact Cowgill, but officers were unsuccessful.
NMSP said Alamogordo crisis intervention officers attempted to deescalate the situation, but were unsuccessful. They used verbal commands over a loud speaker and placed a phone on the porch for Cowgill to use for communication.
During negotiations, Cowgill exited the front door armed with a rifle. Four Alamogordo police officers discharged their duty weapons, striking the 50-year-old.
Medical aid was rendered, and Cowgill was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The three family members were not injured in the incident.
No officers were injured. NMSP said it will not identify the officers involved.
The NMSP Investigations Bureau continues to investigate the incident.
“The New Mexico State Police act solely as a factfinder in officer involved shootings and does not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified. That decision rests with the district attorney’s office,” NMSP said.
