NMSP News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) was requested by the Santa Fe Police Department (SFPD) to investigate an officer-involved shooting involving SFPD officers.
Investigators learned that at around 1 p.m. March 10, an SFPD officer received information that Ricky Chavez, 35, who was a known and wanted violent felon, was at a residence on the 2800 block of Don Quixote. The SFPD officer called for additional officers to assist, including NMSP officers.
Before contacting Chavez, the officer saw him leave the residence in a grey Lexus sedan. On Rodeo Drive, the SFPD officer and a NMSP officer attempted to stop Chavez, but he refused and started to flee. After a failed PIT maneuver, Chavez continued to flee.
Additional SFPD officers initiated a pursuit of Chavez’s vehicle. Tire deflation devices were deployed and successfully stopped the car on the 2400 block of Vereda De Encanto. As officers confronted Chavez, he got out of the grey Lexus through the passenger side, brandished a firearm, and began to enter a nearby black Lexus driven by George Theragood.
At this point in the encounter, three SFPD officers discharged their duty weapons. Both Chavez and Theragood were injured by gunfire. Theragood was treated and released. Chavez remains hospitalized and in critical condition. A SFPD officer was injured by gunfire. For the condition and status of SFPD officers, please contact SFPD.
It was later learned that Theragood was an accomplice to Chavez and had been contacted by Chavez to help him avoid being captured by officers. SFPD will be filing charges against Chavez and Theragood for this incident. For details on charges please contact SFPD. For the duty status and any administrative action taken on the SFPD officers involved please contact SFPD.
The New Mexico State Police acts solely as factfinders in its investigations and conducts an unbiased and impartial investigation.
In officer-involved shootings, NMSP works to thoroughly document the scene, collect evidence, and interview officers, subjects, and witnesses. In turn, NMSP compiles a detailed set of facts and forwards all reports to the appropriate District Attorney for their further review and consideration.
The New Mexico State Police does not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified in these types of matters. This determination rests solely with the District Attorney reviewing the investigation.