CRIME
Police: Raton man fatally shot after firing 'multiple rounds' at police during domestic violence call
New Mexico State Police: Patrol vehicles were damaged during gunfight
Published
Modified
A man was killed after getting into a shootout with Raton and state police officers on Saturday evening.
On Saturday afternoon, the Raton Police Department responded to a call of a domestic violence incident in the 400 block of Third Street, near the Raton Downtown Historic District.
As Raton police officers interviewed a woman, a man 鈥� later identified as 68-year-old Paul Andrew Terry 鈥� left the house and 鈥渋mmediately fired multiple rounds at responding officers before retreating back inside,鈥� New Mexico State Police said in a social media post.
At about 6:50 p.m., state police officers arrived and helped set up a perimeter around the house with RPD officers.
A state police officer then called Terry in an attempt to de-escalate the situation; however, during the conversation 鈥淧aul became increasingly confrontational and eventually ceased all communication despite repeated attempts by officers to re-establish contact,鈥� according to state police.
鈥淭hroughout the incident, Paul continued firing multiple rounds at law enforcement officers from inside and outside of the residence,鈥� the news release states. 鈥淒uring the ongoing exchange, officers obtained a visual of Paul and discharged their department-issued firearms, striking him at least once.鈥�
NMSP spokesperson Amanda Richards said in an email Terry had fired at officers from both agencies.
He later died from his injuries at a local hospital, the post states.
While no officers were injured, several police vehicles were struck by gunfire, according to the news release.
New Mexico State Police said it would not release any identities until interviews with officers have been completed. Nor would it release names of the Raton police officers who were involved in the incident.
Raton Police Chief John Garcia could not be reached for comment on Sunday.
鈥淭he New Mexico State Police act solely as factfinders in their investigations and conduct an unbiased and impartial investigation,鈥� the news release states. 鈥淣MSP thoroughly documents the scene, collects evidence, and interviews officers, subjects and witnesses. In turn, the agency compiles facts as detailed as possible and forwards all reports and evidence to the appropriate district attorney for further review.
鈥淭he New Mexico State Police does not determine whether an officer鈥檚 actions were justified. This determination rests solely with the district attorney reviewing the investigation.鈥�
Gregory R.C. Hasman is a general assignment reporter and the Road Warrior. He can be reached at ghasman@abqjournal.com or 505-823-3820.
