Las Cruces police have identified 19-year-old Gabriel Padilla as the suspect involved in a Thursday night officer-involved shooting. The incident occurred on the 800 block of South Main Street after Padilla allegedly pulled out a gun on an officer, leading to a foot chase and subsequent shooting.
According to the Las Cruces Police Department, officers initially responded to the 500 block of South Main Street after receiving reports of a man with a firearm. During the pursuit, Padilla was shot by an officer, and a firearm was found near where he fell. He was transported to the hospital and is currently in stable condition.
Padilla is facing several charges, including:
Aggravated assault on a peace officer with a deadly weapon
Negligent use of a deadly weapon
Resisting, evading, or obstructing an officer
Authorities believe there may be witnesses to the shooting and are urging anyone with information to contact them at 575-526-0795.
The Las Cruces Police Department also announced that they will hold a news conference at 11 a.m. on March 20 to provide further details regarding the investigation.
The Officer Involved Incident Task Force, consisting of investigators from the Las Cruces Police Department, New Mexico State Police, Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office, and New Mexico State University Police, is leading the investigation.
