TWO OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTINGS IN NEW MEXICO IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS. THE FIRST WAS IN SANTA FE WEDNESDAY NIGHT AROUND 9:00 AT THE MOTEL 6 ON CERRILLOS ROAD. CITY OFFICERS WERE SENT THERE ON AN ARMED ROBBERY CALL. THE SUSPECT WAS SHOT AND LATER DIED AT THE HOSPITAL. POLICE SAY THE SUSPECT FIRED FIRST.
THE SECOND HAPPENED THURSDAY AFTERNOON IN VALENCIA COUNTY EAST OF LOS LUNAS WHERE 26 YEAR OLD MEXICAN NATIONAL AUGUSTINE ORTIZ WAS CAUGHT STRIPPING A STOLEN VEHICLE. ORTIZ, WHO’S ALSO WANTED ON DRUG TRAFFICKING CHARGES, WAS SHOT WHEN THE TRIED TO GET AWAY FROM OFFICERS THERE TO ARREST HIM. HE IS SAID TO HAVE PINNED ONE OFFICER IN BETWEEN TWO VEHICLES. THREE STATE POLICE ARE NOW ON PAID ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE.
