Domestic assault suspect shot by police

GRANTS, N.M. (KRQE) - A domestic violence suspect who was shot by police in Grants Tuesday night has a history of violence.

New Mexico State Police are investigating the shooting of a man they identified early Wednesday as Barry Fuell, 38.

Late Wednesday afternoon investigators confirmed the two children of Fuell's wife were inside the house when the fighting started and when their stepfather was shot.

According to State Police the incident started as a domestic-violence call to Grants police just before 10 p.m. Tuesday. Investigators said Fuell was beating up his wife, and when officers arrived he grabbed what they’re calling an edged weapon and barricaded himself in the house.

His wife was and her two young daughters were also in the house. It's not clear if he was holding them hostage, but officers said it was clear they needed to go in and get them out.

Two Grants officers went inside to make contact with Fuell, and State Police report that is when he either lunged or threatened them with the weapon.

One officer fired twice hitting Fuell.

"People should just separate for the evening when they're frustrated so as to not allow it to get to the point it did last night," State Police Lt. Tim Johnson said.

Court records show Fuell served five years in an Arizona prison for aggravated assault and was released in 2009.

Neighbors told News 13 this was not the first time Fuell and his wife have fought, but they said they never remember it escalating to this point.

Both Fuell and his wife are being treated at UNM Hospital in Albuquerque.

State Police said he is expected to survive while his wife is listed in critical condition from what officers believe are head injuries.

The two children are staying with family members while their mom is in the hospital.

At this point officers have not said what set Fuell off last night, the investigation is ongoing.