ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico State Police (NMSP) is investigating a shooting involving Alamogordo Police Department. According to a tweet from NMSP, an officer was struck by gunfire and is in critical condition.
NMSP said around 2:30 a.m., a local officer tried to stop a vehicle driven by a man identified as Dominic De La O, 26, of Alamogordo, for driving without lights. De La O allegedly fled from the officer, crashed into a light pole near Delaware Avenue and 1st Street, and fled the scene on foot.
Authorities chased De La O, and he reportedly fired a “sawed-off shotgun” at an officer. The officer was hit in the face by the gunfire. A different officer fired his weapon toward De La O, and he was struck in the leg.
De La O was taken into custody after a “physical confrontation with officers” in the 100 block of Delaware Ave. He was treated and released from the hospital.
He was taken to the Otero County Detention Center and charged with attempt to commit first-degree murder, aggravated battery on a police officer with a deadly weapon, tampering with evidence, aggravated fleeing, resisting and evading, criminal trespass, lights required on a vehicle, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, and reckless driving.
Authorities stated De La O played a part in an officer-involved shooting in January as well.
The officer that was wounded was taken to the hospital and then airlifted to a trauma center. He’s in stable, but critical, condition. He was identified on Sunday as Officer Anthony Ferguson.
NMSP is investigating the criminal investigation, and Alamogordo Police Department is looking into the actions of officers on scene.
New Mexico’s governor tweeted about the shooting, sending her thoughts and prayers. It can be seen by clicking here.
