Police release video, new details in fatal police shooting on Lohman Avenue
Las Cruces police released video and new details in a fatal police shooting on Lohman Avenue, where investigators say a man reached for a firearm before officers opened fire.
Investigators say Metro Narcotics agents shot man after he reached for a firearm during April 24 encounter
Organ Mountain News report
LAS CRUCES - Las Cruces police released new details and video Wednesday in a fatal police shooting that left a 45-year-old man dead last week on east Lohman Avenue.
Police identified the man as David Gallegos Jr., who investigators say was the focus of a Metro Narcotics investigation into the possession and sale of large quantities of methamphetamine. The shooting occurred about 2 p.m. Friday, April 24, near the intersection of Lohman Ave. and Walton Blvd.
Investigators say two Metro Narcotics agents were conducting surveillance of Gallegos and were using a drone to monitor his movements. Agents followed Gallegos to the McDonald’s on Lohman Avenue, where he exited a maroon Dodge pickup, confronted another driver and went inside the restaurant. When he came back outside, investigators say he again confronted the same man, who remained in his vehicle.
As Gallegos walked back toward his pickup, investigators say the agents, who were in uniform but driving an unmarked unit, approached him. Police say video from the scene shows Gallegos reach toward a firearm in his waistband as the agents exited their vehicle.
One of the agents identified himself as law enforcement and fired shortly after Gallegos reached for the weapon, according to police. Officers who responded to the scene attempted life-saving measures, but Gallegos died at the scene.
Police recovered a loaded 9mm handgun that fell to the ground during the encounter. A search of the pickup later uncovered about 1.13 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 500 fentanyl pills and 20 grams of powdered fentanyl, investigators said.
Two people who were inside Gallegos’ vehicle were detained and interviewed before officers released them.
Police said Gallegos was a convicted felon on probation at the time of the shooting, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm.
The Metro Narcotics Agency includes personnel from the Las Cruces Police Department, Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico State Police. The agent who fired the weapon has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.
The Officer-Involved Incident Task Force, which includes investigators from multiple agencies, is leading the investigation and will present its findings to the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Wednesday’s news conference can be viewed on LCPD’s Facebook page and on the City’s YouTube channel.
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