Santa Fe, NM (KKOB) – New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is investigating an officer-involved shooting involving the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies that happened Saturday.Around 4:00 a.m., a Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office deputy was trying to make a traffic stop of a motorcycle for speeding near Agua Fria and San Felipe but the driver took off but was found later by the deputy near the 6300 block of Entrada Del Milagro.
The suspect fled into an apartment complex on the motorcycle. The deputy then pursued the suspect on foot and pushed both him and his motorcycle to the ground.
During the encounter, the cyclist pulled out a gun and fired it at the deputy, missing him. The deputy then returned fire, striking the suspect.
Additional deputies arrived on scene and rendered aid , but the suspect died on the scene. The deputy was treated for burns to the face, consistent with being caused by muzzle flash.
The suspect is identified as 36-year-old Randall Brian Lopez.
Additionally, the firearm Lopez was determined to be stolen. Lopez has a lengthy and violent criminal history with prior charges, including Resisting, Evading, or Obstructing an Officer (Arrest); First-Degree Murder (Felony Murder); Armed Robbery; Receipt, Transportation, or Possession of a Firearm or Destructive Device by a Felon; Kidnapping; Aggravated Battery (Deadly Weapon); and Concealing Identity.
This case remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau.
