Suspects shot at wielding firearms
Suspects brandishing weapons shot by police officers.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
On June 21, Albuquerque police officer Kevin Gonzales found himself in a potentially deadly situation while on duty. Responding to a call at Mesilla and Central, Gonzales encountered a man named Joey White who was in possession of fentanyl pills. What started as a routine stop quickly escalated when White attempted to flee, prompting Gonzales to pursue him in his patrol car.
Despite Gonzales’ warnings for White to stop, the suspect continued to run. In a split-second decision, Gonzales fired his weapon, believing White was pointing a gun at him. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, but several parked cars were damaged in the crossfire.
Following the shooting, White was apprehended by other officers after being coaxed down from a rooftop. A handgun believed to be connected to the suspect was found hidden under an abandoned washing machine at the scene.
Police Chief’s Response
Police Chief Harold Medina highlighted the dangers faced by APD officers, especially those in proactive units like Gonzales’, who often encounter armed suspects. The department’s six-month review of officer-involved shootings revealed that all seven incidents involved individuals carrying firearms, with two suspects even firing at police.
Medina stressed the importance of developing policies to address the threats posed by fleeing suspects and the risks associated with foot pursuits. The review also found that the majority of officers involved in the shootings had less than eight years of experience on the force.
Reducing Criminal Activity
Medina emphasised that reducing the number of armed criminals in the community is essential to decreasing officer-involved shootings. He noted that proactive response teams, like the one Gonzales was part of, play a crucial role in preventing crimes and apprehending offenders.
Another recent incident involving a proactive response team in the southwest area of the city resulted in the fatal shooting of a suspect who was holding a woman at gunpoint. The circumstances of this incident, like the May 16 shooting involving Gonzales, are currently under investigation by APD.
Suspect’s Criminal Background
Further investigations revealed that White is a convicted felon, facing multiple charges including possession of a stolen firearm, assault on a peace officer, and drug-related offences. In a recorded conversation from jail, White admitted to carrying a handgun during the encounter with Gonzales and expressed regret at not being able to escape on his bicycle.
As APD continues to review and learn from officer-involved shootings, the department remains committed to ensuring the safety of both officers and the community they serve.
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