Police say 28-year-old fired at officer during encounter tied to reported bicycle theft; investigation ongoing

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - Las Cruces police have identified the man killed in a police shooting Sunday morning on south Valley Drive as 28-year-old Johnny Ray Morales.

The Las Cruces Police Department and the multi-agency Officer-Involved Incident Task Force continue investigating the shooting, which began shortly before 7:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026.

According to preliminary information released Monday, an officer working approved off-duty employment at Walmart, 1550 S. Valley Drive, was flagged down about a reported bicycle theft. The officer located a suspect, later identified as Morales, and attempted to detain him.

Police say Morales fired at least one round at the officer during the encounter. The officer returned fire, and Morales fled on foot.

Additional officers responded and attempted to establish a perimeter. Police say additional exchanges of gunfire occurred during that response. Morales was pronounced dead at the scene.

The shooting involved multiple scenes along and around Valley Drive that responding officers secured.

No other information has been released. Las Cruces police said they anticipate holding a news conference after investigators interview all known witnesses and confirm additional details.

The Officer-Involved Incident Task Force includes investigators from New Mexico State Police, Las Cruces police, the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico State University Police. The task force gathers facts in the case and will present them to the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office.