OfficerBlueAlbuquerque, NM – Albuquerque police officers fatally shot a burglar after he ambushed them during a building search. Bodycam video of the shooting has been released.
Police told the press on Tuesday that on January 6, just before midnight, the Luna Lodge apartment manager called police because he saw a man break into a vacant apartment.
Police arrived and spent over an hour to announcing themselves and ordering the burglar to surrender. When there was no response, the officers decided to conduct a building search to locate the suspect.
According to Albuquerque Journal, Lieutenant Del Graco told reporters, “They weren’t fully sure there was even someone in the room. They took their time in clearing the place. The fact that someone was actually in that room was not priority in their mind. At that time this was just another house they were clearing.”
After the officers entered a bedroom, Daniel Saavedra-Arreola, 24, jumped out of a closet and started swinging a 3-inch knife and metal pipe at officers.
An officer attempted to tase Saavedra-Arreola but it was ineffective. Once officers were clear of crossfire, the four officers in the room opened fire on Saavedra-Arreola.
He died right there.
Saavedra-Arreola had a warrant for his arrest at the time of the shooting because he had cut off his ankle monitor for an outstanding armed robbery charge. Saavedra-Arreola’s criminal history also shows a conviction for conspiracy to commit second degree murder.
His father has already filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city.
His father’s attorney, Greg Payn, questioned that the officers only gave Saavedra-Arreola two or three seconds for the Taser to take effect while he was actively trying to murder them, according to Albuquerque Journal.
Chief Geier defended his officers, according to Albuquerque Journal.
“We think they acted appropriately and heroically defending not only themselves, but that one officer especially who was backed into a corner, facing possible injury from a stabbing type assault,” Chief Geier said.
You can see the full video of the shooting below. WARNING: Graphic Content.