ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque police have released new details about an officer-involved shooting that left a 41-year-old man dead following a confrontation in Downtown Albuquerque on July 3.
According to APD, officers fatally shot Stephen Griego after he allegedly shot two men near Central Avenue and 3rd Street shortly before midnight.
Events Leading Up to the Shooting
Police say Griego had previously reported an altercation in Downtown Albuquerque on June 20, claiming a man and woman assaulted him, pepper-sprayed him and took his cellphone. APD took a report and treated Griego for exposure to pepper spray.
Investigators say Griego later posted a video on social media referencing the incident.
July 3 Confrontation
According to APD, Griego was riding an electric scooter near Central Avenue and 3rd Street when he encountered two men later identified as Juan Ortega and Richard Thyberg.
Video obtained by investigators reportedly shows a verbal confrontation before Ortega approached Griego. Police say Ortega pushed and struck Griego, who then moved around a street barrier and pulled a handgun from his waistband.
Investigators say Griego fired a shot that struck Thyberg. As the confrontation continued, additional gunshots were fired, including a second shot that struck Ortega.
Officers Open Fire
APD says several officers were stationed nearby monitoring crowds outside downtown bars when they heard gunfire at approximately 11:53 p.m.
Officers ran toward the scene and repeatedly ordered Griego to stop. Four officers then fired their weapons.
Detectives determined Griego suffered six gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.
Officer Preston Harris told investigators he fired after seeing Griego continue advancing toward Ortega, who had already been wounded and was on the ground.
Additional Victims
Ortega was hospitalized with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the hip.
Detectives later learned Thyberg had sought treatment at an urgent care center for a gunshot wound and identified Griego as the shooter.
Police also found a bystander who had been struck by a stray bullet along Central Avenue. The injury was not life-threatening.
Investigators say preliminary evidence suggests the bullet that struck the bystander may have come from an officer’s firearm, but that determination will not be made until ballistic and trajectory testing is completed.
Investigation Continues
The shooting remains under investigation by the Multi-Agency Task Force, APD Internal Affairs and the department’s Force Review Board.
The findings will be forwarded to the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office for review and to determine whether any criminal charges are warranted.
Officers Involved
The officers involved in the shooting were identified as:
- Sgt. Ralph Rodriguez, hired in 2014
- Officer Preston Harris, hired in 2024
- Officer Jed Jeffries, hired in 2024
- Officer Diana Magallanes, hired in 2023
APD says the investigation is expected to continue for several months.
