Las Cruces Officer Involved in Shooting of 19-Year-Old Suspect

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — A 19-year-old suspect, Gabriel Padilla, was hospitalized after he was shot by a Las Cruces police officer on March 13. The incident, which occurred shortly before 7 p.m. on South Main Street, began with reports of an armed individual, prompting police to respond.

According to Police Chief Jeremy Story, the Las Cruces Police Department received a 911 call from a security guard at a local pizza restaurant who reported seeing a man with a gun. Upon arrival, officers initiated a pursuit after Padilla fled the scene. During the chase, the officer discharged their weapon, striking Padilla.

Authorities confirmed that Padilla was injured at least once and was treated for serious but stable injuries at a nearby hospital. He is expected to be booked upon his release into the Doña Ana County Detention Center, facing charges of aggravated assault on a peace officer, negligent use of a deadly weapon, and resisting or evading arrest.

Padilla’s actions prior to the encounter involved alleged firearms use and aspirations of gang affiliation, as noted in reports linked to the Sheriff’s Department. Chief Story elaborated during a news conference, stating, “The caller indicated the suspect had a firearm and had already fired it multiple times before fleeing.” Surveillance video corroborated this account, showing Padilla with a weapon as he attempted to evade police.

The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave, following established protocol for such incidents. The officer, whose name has yet to be released, is a veteran with seven years of law enforcement experience, having joined the Las Cruces department in 2021.

“This is standard procedure,” Chief Story explained. “The Officer Involved Incident Task Force is responsible for gathering all pertinent information and presenting findings to the district attorney’s office.”

Padilla’s condition remains monitored, and local authorities are actively investigating the ongoing case, with updates promised as more details emerge. The Las Cruces Police Department encourages anyone with potential witness accounts to reach out to their offices.