NMSP News:
ARTESIA — Jan. 21, 2026, the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Investigations Bureau was requested by the Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force to investigate an officer-involved shooting (OIS) involving one of their detectives.
Investigations Bureau agents learned earlier that day, the United States Marshals Service requested assistance from the Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force, in apprehending Aaron Cane Vasquez (27). Vasquez was wanted on a no-bond probation violation warrant with nationwide extradition. Vasquez was also identified as a person of interest in a homicide that occurred in Artesia Jan. 20, 2026.
Task Force officers and U.S. Marshals received information that Vasquez was at a residence on W. Yucca Avenue in Artesia. Detectives observed Vasquez exiting the residence and attempted to take him into custody. Vasquez fled back into the residence, exited through the rear door, and ran eastbound down an alleyway. Vasquez appeared to be grabbing at his waistband as he ran from officers.
Vasquez ran several blocks and hid underneath a parked vehicle near 1210 W. Yucca Avenue. Detectives pursuing Vasquez on foot located him under the vehicle. At that time, one Task Force detective fired at least one round from their duty rifle, which did not strike Vasquez. A second detective deployed a taser, which struck Vasquez. Vasquez was then taken into custody without further incident.
Vasquez was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and later booked into the Eddy County Detention Center. Investigators searched the alleyway and surrounding area where the officer-involved shooting occurred in an effort to locate a firearm; however, no firearm was found.
The Task Force detective will not be identified by the New Mexico State Police. For information on their duty status or administrative actions taken, please contact the Roswell Police Department.
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. 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 Investigations Bureau.