ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Albuquerque police have released new details about a December shootout involving an auto theft suspect and an officer. Investigators say Officer Michael Golden was struck by gunfire during the struggle, but the bullet hit his police radio, leaving him unharmed. The suspect, Luis Arreola-Palma, 32, was shot several times and later died at the hospital.
The incident happened on Dec. 21, 2025, at the Rodeway Inn on Iliff Road NW. Officers were searching for Arreola-Palma, who had multiple felony warrants and was listed among APD’s Top 25 Auto Theft offenders. When officers approached, he ran and was tackled after a foot chase. Police say Arreola-Palma fired a round from inside his jacket pocket, hitting Officer Golden’s radio. Officer Christopher Cooke returned fire, striking the suspect.
APD says the Multi-Agency Task Force will forward its findings to the District Attorney’s Office for review. Internal Affairs will also investigate whether department policies were followed, and APD’s Force Review Board will examine the case for any needed policy changes.
