(Editor’s note: This article was updated on Feb. 22 after additional information was received from the New Mexico State Police after News-Bulletin press time.)
LOS LUNAS — A fatal shooting by a Los Lunas police officer is under investigation by New Mexico State Police.
Los Lunas Police Chief Frank Lucero said the investigation is in its infancy, with few details to be released at this time.
Officers were dispatched to a home on Vista Drive SW in Los Lunas on the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 20, in response to a domestic violence call, Lucero said.
“At some point, an altercation with one of the parties involved in the call happened and shots were fired. The suspect is deceased,” Lucero said. “The officers are shaken but not injured, which we are thankful for. This is a lose-lose situation for everyone.”
According to a press release sent by NMSP after News-Bulletin press deadline, officers were dispatched to the home around 9:15 a.m. Lucas Barros, 42, was involved in an altercation with his wife.
When officers approached the home, they saw the woman attempting to leave. When they spoke to Barros, officers asked him to “release a young child who was still inside the residence. Barros released the child and then walked back inside the residence and retrieved a firearm.”
Barros came back outside with a firearm, pointed the weapon in the direction of the officers and fired, according to the press release. At least one LLPD officer discharged at least one round from their duty weapon, striking Barros, who was pronounced dead at the scene by personnel from the Office of the Medical Investigator.
The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on standard paid administrative leave, the chief said, and will be provided whatever resources they need.
“We provide our officers with the care they need, especially in regards to mental health,” the chief said. “The officer’s return to duty is completely contingent on how they feel.”
NMSP will conduct the investigation to ensure there is no conflict of interest and to make sure any detailed information released is accurate.
“We review these situations administratively, internally, to make sure the training we provide our officers is up to par,” Lucero said. “Unfortunately, in situations like this, all sides lose. This is the last thing any police officer ever wants to do.”
New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews, the release reads. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the district attorney for review.
The New Mexico State Police acts solely as a factfinder in officer-involved shootings and does not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified. That decision rests with the district attorney’s office. This incident remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.
Julia M. Dendinger began working at the VCNB in 2006. She covers Valencia County government, Belen Consolidated Schools and the village of Bosque Farms. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists Rio Grande chapter’s board of directors.
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April 25, 2024
