NMSP News:

ESPAÑOLA — April 11, 2025, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting involving the Rio Arriba Sheriff’s Office (RASO) and the Ohkay Owingeh Police Department. 

Investigations Bureau agents learned that at around 12:30 p.m., April 10, 2025, a RASO deputy responded to a larceny call at a residence on State Road 75 in Dixon. The reporting party alleged that his son Zachary Sisneros, 32, stole various items from his residence, including a firearm. Sisneros left in a white 2014 Toyota passenger vehicle and a “be on the lookout” (BOLO) was issued for the suspect vehicle.

At approximately 1 p.m., a RASO deputy located the Toyota at the Speedway gas station on Riverside Drive in Española. Sisneros was seen exiting the store and getting back into the vehicle before driving to the Lowes Home Improvement parking lot on Lowdermilk Street.

When RASO and Ohkay Owingeh contacted Sisneros, he exited the vehicle armed with a rifle. RASO deputies and an Ohkay Owingeh PD officer fired their duty weapons, striking Sisneros. Sisneros received on-scene medical treatment before he was transported to an area hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. No officers were injured during this incident. 

The RASO deputies and the Ohkay Owingeh officer will not be identified by the New Mexico State Police.

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.