Authorities say deputies encountered an armed man inside garage as firefighters searched for possible occupant; task force investigation underway

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - A man died Tuesday evening after an armed confrontation with Doña Ana County sheriff’s deputies at the scene of a structure fire in the Tortugas area, authorities said.

Doña Ana Fire Rescue crews responded shortly before 6 p.m. Tuesday to a structure fire in the 600 block of Watson Lane. When firefighters arrived, they received information that someone might be inside the home.

Crews conducted a primary search of the residence but did not find anyone in the main area. After firefighters extinguished the fire, they learned the individual might be inside the garage.

When firefighters attempted to access the garage, they encountered resistance from someone inside and requested assistance from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies searched the structure and located an armed adult male inside the garage area, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities said the man remained in a secured area and refused orders to exit.

During the confrontation, shots were fired. No deputies were injured.

Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures at the scene, but the man died.

The multi-agency Officer-Involved Shooting Task Force is investigating the incident. The 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.

Investigators will forward their findings to the 3rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office for review once the investigation is complete.

Authorities have not released additional information.