CEDAR CREST, N.M. — An Albuquerque police officer is dead after being identified as the suspect in a domestic violence case investigated by the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO).
The incident began on the morning of November 5, when school staff in the East Mountains alerted deputies that a woman and her child had fled to safety after escaping a domestic violence situation.
BCSO detectives obtained an arrest warrant for the male suspect, who was facing multiple charges, including kidnapping, criminal sexual penetration, false imprisonment, interference with communication, battery on a household member, and child abuse.
Later that evening, deputies went to the suspect’s residence on Piñon Trail in Cedar Crest. Authorities say they made repeated announcements for the suspect to exit the home. A fire broke out inside the residence during the operation, delaying entry until it was deemed safe by the Fire Marshal.
After midnight on November 6, deputies found the suspect dead inside the home from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. BCSO confirmed that no deputies discharged their weapons.
Because the death occurred during a warrant operation, the Multi-Agency Task Force was activated to conduct an independent investigation. The Office of the Medical Investigator will determine the official cause and manner of death.
BCSO has not released the suspect’s identity. Officials say support services are being provided to the adult and juvenile victims.
Sheriff John Allen called the situation “complex and deeply troubling,” and expressed gratitude that the victims were able to reach safety and report the incident.
