Police Investigate Officer-Involved Shooting in Las Cruces
One Man Dead, Another Injured in Early-Morning Incident on Walnut Street
Las Cruces, NM — Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place early Thursday morning, May 8, 2025, on the 900 block of Walnut Street in Las Cruces. The incident, which occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m., resulted in the death of one man and left another with non-life-threatening injuries.
The scene of the incident is located directly across the street from Lynn Middle School, although officials have confirmed that the incident did not take place on school property. As a precaution and to ensure the safety of students, a section of Walnut Street in front of the school has been closed to traffic while investigators continue to process the scene.
According to initial reports from the Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD), the officer involved in the shooting was not injured during the incident. As is standard protocol in such cases, the officer has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Details surrounding what led to the shooting remain limited at this time, as the investigation is still in its early stages. Authorities have not yet released the names of the individuals involved, nor have they provided specific information about the circumstances leading up to the encounter. Law enforcement officials have stated that more information will be made public as the investigation progresses and when it is appropriate to do so.
The Officer-Involved Incident Task Force, which has taken over the investigation, comprises members from several law enforcement agencies, including the New Mexico State Police, Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State University Police, and the Las Cruces Police Department. The multi-agency team is responsible for collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and compiling a comprehensive report of the event. Their findings will be turned over to the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office for review and any potential legal actions.
To accommodate the ongoing investigation and ensure student safety, Lynn Middle School has adjusted its traffic flow for the day. School buses and parent drop-offs are being rerouted to the northwest side of the campus, near the gymnasium, with access available from Nevada Avenue. School officials have worked closely with law enforcement to minimize disruptions to the school day.
This latest incident is one in a series of police-involved shootings that have drawn increasing public scrutiny to law enforcement practices in New Mexico and nationwide. While no judgment has been made regarding the justification of Thursday’s use of force, community members and advocacy groups are likely to watch the investigation closely, calling for transparency and accountability.
As the community awaits further details, city officials are urging calm and patience while investigators work to determine exactly what occurred during the fatal encounter on Walnut Street.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Las Cruces Police Department or the Officer-Involved Incident Task Force.