ALAMOGORDO, N.M. — New Mexico State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting involving the Alamogordo Police Department that resulted in the death of a 50-year-old man.
According to the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau, officers responded to a home in the 1700 block of Alamo Avenue at approximately 11:42 a.m. Wednesday after receiving a 911 call reporting a suicidal man armed with a rifle.
Investigators identified the man as Keith Charles Cowgill, 50, of Alamogordo.
State Police say three family members were inside the residence when officers were dispatched. Those individuals were able to leave the home safely, while Cowgill remained inside.
Police established a perimeter around the residence and spent several hours attempting to contact Cowgill. According to investigators, officers with the Alamogordo Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team used multiple methods to communicate with him and attempted to de-escalate the situation.
Authorities say officers gave commands over a loudspeaker and later attempted to place a department-issued cellphone on the home’s porch so Cowgill could communicate with negotiators. Those efforts were unsuccessful.
During negotiations, investigators say Cowgill exited the front door carrying a rifle. Four Alamogordo police officers then fired their weapons, striking Cowgill.
Medical aid was provided at the scene before Cowgill was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
No officers were injured during the incident, and the three family members were not harmed.
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is conducting an independent investigation and will forward its findings to the district attorney’s office for review once completed.
State Police said the names of the officers involved will not be released by NMSP. Questions regarding their duty status or administrative actions have been referred to the Alamogordo Police Department.
