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On Tuesday, a shooting happened at 4th Street and Menaul at Court John Motel, where officers confronted a suspected reported-stolen vehicle. Officers had tracked the stolen pickup truck with the help of air support.
“We know what crime is in our city and what is affecting and driving up crime,” APD Chief Harold Medina said at a press briefing at the scene. Chief Medina attributes these deadly altercations to two primary scenarios that officers are exposed to with increasing regularity: armed suspects in stolen vehicles and armed shoplifters.
Earlier today, officers also were dispatched to a report of an armed shoplifter at a Walmart. Chief Medina noted that an arrest warrant will be issued shortly for the suspect.
“I hope we can continue to work together and have the dialogue and community with one another with what needs to be changed to reduce crime in this city that we call home,” Chief Medina added.
During the press conference, Chief Medina urged New Mexico legislators to work with law enforcement to combat crime in the state.
All three officers that were involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave. The investigation is still ongoing and APD will release updates to the public over the next few days.