Las Cruces, NM – A New Mexico state trooper was murdered and several other law enforcement officers were wounded when a gunman opened fire on Interstate 10 on Thursday afternoon.
The Las Cruces Police Department said that New Mexico State Police, Las Cruces police, and officers from several other agencies responded to an “incident involving shots fired” on I-10 between Deming and Las Cruces, The New York Times reported.
Officials said the gunman was dead.
New Mexico State Police said that incident occurred in Luna County, but some reports suggest it actually happened further east, according to the Associated Press.
NMSP officer shot and killed in shooting on I-10 MP 101 in Luna County. Multiple agencies involved, several officers are injured. Suspect is deceased. Scene is still active with limited information. 1-10 is closed in the area. More information when available. pic.twitter.com/U7WvD4e79q
— NMSP (@NMStatePolice) February 4, 2021
Authorities have not released the name of the hero who was murdered, nor those of any of the officers who were wounded.
They also have not identified the gunman.
A witness posted video he said was of the shooting that showed a police vehicle using a PIT maneuver on a white pickup truck.
When the pickup truck stopped sliding down the pavement, the driver jumped out and started shooting, according to the witness’ social media post.
This was the exchange of gunfire that led to the trooper death, KFOX reported.
*VIDEO WARNING* (the video has been edited by @KFOX14 for social media) Witness video shows the moments a man and police exchange gunfire on a New Mexico highway. That exchange resulted in the death of a NMSP officer. pic.twitter.com/EBJgvfqfo6
— Ricky (@RickyG_TV) February 4, 2021
We'll have the latest on @krqe News 13 at 4 p.m. after a New Mexico State Police officer was killed in a shootout on the interstate near Las Cruces. pic.twitter.com/TQamlrJKzc
— Lysée Mitri (@LyseeMitri) February 4, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the New Mexico State Police and all agencies involved. The tragic news is unsettling. We must stand united as a community! pic.twitter.com/MyjtgJp6S3
— Laguna Police Department (@LagunaPd) February 4, 2021
A New Mexico State Police officer was killed and several injured in a shootout on I-10.
I-10 is closed in both directions in Las Cruces. pic.twitter.com/RaEX4wgLXy
— Shelby Kapp KTSM (@KappKtsm) February 4, 2021
This is a developing story and we will keep you updated. For all of our updates, follow us on Facebook and go to your news feed preferences under your settings, then select that you want to see more of The Police Tribune’s posts in your news feed. Otherwise, Facebook may not show you updates.
Holly Matkin
