ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico State Police have provided additional information after a suspect who allegedly fired at a Torrance County Sheriff’s deputy was killed in a later shootout.
The suspect has been identified as Edward Lopez. The fatal shooting occurred on a property near mile marker 15 on NM-131, where an initial exchange of gunfire led deputies to request assistance from state police.
According to law enforcement, deputies responded shortly after 1 p.m. to reports that Lopez had been shooting on the property. When officers told him he had a misdemeanor warrant, he reportedly grabbed a rifle inside the residence and opened fire on deputies.
Deputies called for backup and Lopez ran to a neighboring piece of land. He was located later in the afternoon and a second confrontation ensued at about 5:30 p.m., during which he was shot. Lopez was transported to a hospital and later died. Authorities say no other people were injured in the incidents.
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is continuing its inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the shootings.
