Man killed in gunfight with NM police

CORDOVA, N.M. (AP) - A New Mexico State Police spokesman says a Cordova man was killed after exchanging gunfire with state police officers Sunday at his home.

Spokesman Peter Olson says 58-year-old Luis Montoya was killed after he fired a rifle at officers who were checking on his welfare at his home.

Montoya was removed from the Ohkay Casino near Espanola after threatening to shoot tribal police and security officers.

State police officers were asked to check on Montoya's welfare.

Olson says when officers arrived, Montoya appeared to be intoxicated and was armed with a rifle.

Olson says the officers tried to convince him to put down the gun, but Montoya fired the rifle and officers returned fire.

Olson says exactly how Montoya was killed is under investigation.

Montoya died at an Espanola hospital.