NMSP News:

CARLSBAD — Thursday, Aug. 11 the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting in Carlsbad involving the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO).

Agents learned that at approximately 7:21 p.m., the ECSO responded to a domestic violence incident at 4019 Jones St. in Carlsbad. The reporting person stated her boyfriend, Gabriel Maestas, 48, of Carlsbad, was intoxicated and they got into a verbal alteration. During the altercation, the victim told deputies Maestas took her cellphone and a handgun from inside the residence before pushing her out of the way and leaving.

When ECSO deputies arrived at the residence, they searched the area for Maestas. After receiving a tip, they located Maestas in an open field near 3908 West Texas St.

During the encounter, two ECSO deputies gave Maestas numerous verbal commands to surrender peacefully, which he ignored. Maestas reportedly brandished a firearm and pointed it toward officers. At that time, two ECSO deputies discharged their department-issued firearms toward Maestas, striking him at least once.

After the shooting, both deputies rendered aid to Maestas until the arrival of emergency medical personnel. Maestas succumbed to his injuries and was later pronounced dead.

No officers were injured during the incident. The names of the deputies involved will not be released by the NMSP. 

The NMSP Investigations Bureau agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigation findings will be shared with the district attorney for review and consideration.

The New Mexico State Police acts solely as factfinders in its cases and does not determine whether the actions of an officer were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the district attorney’s office. This incident remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.