Courtesy/NMSP
NMSP News:
ARTESIA — The New Mexico State Police, (NMSP) Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting Saturday involving the Artesia Police Department (APD).
The incident occurred at approximately 9:02 p.m. near the intersection of West Center and 18th Street in Artesia.
Initial information is as follows:
Investigations Bureau agents learned APD officers were dispatched to a domestic violence call at 1815 West Center Ave. involving 43-year-old Clifton Stevenson. When they arrived at the residence, officers were told Stevenson had fled the scene, which prompted an initial search. During the search, officers received information Stevenson was seen running toward 18th Street.
Two APD officers contacted Stevenson, and at some point, during the interaction, both APD officers discharged their firearms at least once. Stevenson sustained at least one gunshot wound and was transported to an area hospital in Texas. His injuries were reported to be non-life-threatening.
The two officers involved in the shooting were not injured.
For information on any charges filed against Stevenson, contact the Artesia Police Department.
The APD officers will not be identified by the New Mexico State Police. For information on their duty status or administrative actions taken, please contact the Artesia 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.