Staff Reports
TORRANCE COUNTY, N.M. — The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting involving both the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico State Police on April 21.
State Police agents learned that at approximately 1 pm that day, the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of shots fired at a residence located at 15 NM 131 in Manzano, N.M. The reporting person advised that a relative was discharging a firearm on the property.
Deputies arrived on scene and made contact with Edward Lopez at the front door. While speaking with Lopez through a screen door, deputies informed him he had an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for his arrest. Lopez retreated into the residence and returned armed with a rifle.
An exchange of gunfire occurred between Lopez and deputies. Following the gunfire, deputies requested additional units and established a perimeter.
As additional deputies arrived, they observed Lopez flee the residence to a nearby property. The Torrance County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from NMSP specialized units, including the Tactical Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, Crime Scene Team, and the Investigations Bureau. The Crisis Negotiation Team arrived first on scene with the objective of establishing communication and safely taking Lopez into custody, as he was reportedly known to have a history of mental health issues.
NMSP Tactical Team members tracked Lopez to the adjacent property, where a second exchange of gunfire occurred. Lopez was struck during the encounter. Officers rendered aid at the scene until emergency medical services arrived. Lopez was transported to a nearby volunteer fire station, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Additionally, a .22 caliber rifle was recovered from the scene.
No law enforcement officers or civilians were injured during the incident. This case remains under investigation by the NMSP Investigations Bureau.
The NMSP won’t release the names of the TCSO deputies and NMSP officers at this time. The NMSP acts solely as factfinders in their investigations and conducts an unbiased investigation.
In officer-involved shootings, NMSP thoroughly documents the scene, collects evidence, and interviews officers, subjects, and witnesses. In turn, the agency compiles facts as detailed as possible and forwards all reports and evidence to the appropriate district attorney for further review.
The New Mexico State Police does not determine whether a law enforcement officer’s actions were justified. This determination rests solely with the district attorney reviewing the investigation.
On April 22nd at 9:00 am, a press conference was held at the NMSP District 5 office in Albuquerque, with media being notified the evening before. The press conference video will be uploaded to the official NMSP Facebook account.
