Deming, N.M. – On Thursday afternoon, Nov. 5, three officers from the Deming Police Department opened fire on 28‑year‑old Jaime Aguilar during a foot pursuit that began after a report of gunfire near Spruce Street. Aguilar was pronounced dead at the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
Incident timeline
State police reports indicate officers were dispatched to 220 Spruce St. at about 4:29 p.m. after receiving a call about shots fired. A responding officer observed Aguilar leaving the area and relayed that information over the radio. When Aguilor failed to obey commands to stop, officers pursued him on foot.
The chase continued to the vicinity of 113 E. Spruce St., near a Wells Fargo Bank. At that location, three Deming officers fired their duty weapons, striking Aguilar. A firearm was recovered at the scene, though the release did not clarify whether Aguilar was holding or using the weapon when officers fired.
Second death
After the shooting, officers returned to the original location at 220 Spruce St. and found 50‑year‑old Shawn Anderson dead. The State Police release offered no details about the circumstances of Anderson’s death or any connection to Aguilar’s actions.
Investigations
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is conducting an independent investigation into both deaths. Agents are collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reconstructing the sequence of events. The bureau will provide its findings to the Doña Ana County District Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether the officers’ use of deadly force was legally justified.
State Police have not identified the three officers involved, nor have they disclosed the officers’ duty status or any pending administrative actions. Those questions have been referred to the Deming Police Department.
Community response
Local residents expressed concern over the rapid escalation of the encounter, but officials emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation and the need for a thorough, impartial review. No officers were injured during the incident.
The Deming Police Department and New Mexico State Police have pledged transparency as the investigation proceeds, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Original reporting: Organ Mountain News (Las Cruces / Doña Ana County) — read the source article.
