Man killed after armed confrontation with deputies at Watson Lane structure fire scene

A man died Tuesday evening after an armed confrontation with Doña Ana County sheriff’s deputies at a structure fire scene on Watson Lane in the Tortugas area. A multi-agency task force is investigating.

Man killed after armed confrontation with deputies at Watson Lane structure fire scene
(Courtesy photo / Doña Ana County Sheriff's Department)

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.

Keep reading:
Chief details timeline, suspect history in Feb. 8 fatal police shooting near Walmart — Police outline the sequence of events and prior history of the suspect in the Feb. 8 shooting.
Jury convicts Las Cruces man of first-degree murder in Young Park triple homicide — A Doña Ana County jury delivers guilty verdicts in the 2023 Young Park killings.
Las Cruces woman charged with intentional child abuse resulting in death of newborn — Police allege a newborn died after being left in a portable toilet earlier this month.

Sign up for Organ Mountain News, our free email newsletter

Get the latest headlines right in your inbox