NM State Police emblem

Note: Las Cruces Police Department is sharing this news release issued by New Mexico State Police.

Alamogordo, NM – On August 29, 2024, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting involving the Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD).

Investigations Bureau agents learned that at around 7:30 p.m., a New Mexico State Police officer conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge pickup truck on US54 near mile post 75. The driver of the truck was identified as Wallace Gonzales (41). During the traffic stop, the officer observed multiple firearms on the dashboard of the vehicle. Gonzales then made threating statements that he was going to shoot the officer.

Gonzales fled from the traffic stop and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended when Gonzales pulled into the White Sands mall parking lot in Alamogordo. The Las Cruces Police Department SWAT team and NMSP Tactical Team responded to the scene. Officers began communication with Gonzales for approximately 3 hours in an attempt to deescalate the situation and have him exit the truck peacefully. Gonzales still refused to obey officers’ commands. At some point during communication with Gonzales, gunfire was exchanged and a LCPD SWAT officer fired at least one round from their department issued rifle.

As officers approached the truck, Gonzales was found unresponsive with an apparent gunshot wound. He also had a firearm in each hand. Once the weapons were secured, paramedics rendered aid, but Gonzales succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. No officers were injured during this incident.

The LCPD officer will not be identified by the New Mexico State Police. For information on their duty status or administrative actions taken, please contact the Las Cruces Police Department.

New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the district attorney for review.

The New Mexico State Police acts solely as a factfinder in officer involved shootings and does not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified. That decision rests with the district attorney’s office. This incident remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.

City of Las Cruces sends Memorial Medical Center Notice of Breach
Public Art Presentations Planned for East Mesa Recreation Complex
Other news in News Releases, Public Safety
Student apprentice members installing a window in a frame.

Workforce Development Programs

The City of Las Cruces supports residents in achieving their career goals through accessible workforce development programs. From skills training to job placement, we’re here to help build a strong,…
Gathering of people in front of large Christmas tree

Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place from 6- 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 at the downtown Plaza de Las Cruces.  This event is a wonderful opportunity to…
Blue pilot Light

Pilot Light Relight Service

Stay safe and warm this winter. Schedule your Pilot Relight and Safety Check today. Avoid long wait times and schedule your Pilot Relight before cold weather arrives. For service, call…
Students working on a mural in Las Cruces

Mural Ribbon Cutting Friday, November 15

The City of Las Cruces will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Keep Las Cruces Beautiful program inside the Triviz/I-25 tunnel to display the mural now complete and ready…
American flag waving in the blue sky

Veterans Day Schedule 2024

In observance of Veterans Day, most City of Las Cruces offices will be closed Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. However, all emergency services, including police and fire will operate as usual.…
Dog With a Ball

Dog Park Rules Survey

The City of Las Cruces will be making changes to our Dog Park Rules. We would like your input. Take Survey
Poster submitted by Mesa Middle School student Jasmine Horvath

Veterans Day Parade

The Las Cruces Veterans Day Parade has been put on by volunteers since 1995 in support of local Veterans. Please come out and help show your support of our Veterans…
wallet with folded bills inside and change spilling out from it on a table.

Minimum Wage Notice for 2025

Pursuant to the Las Cruces Municipal Code (LCMC) the minimum wage will increase for Las Cruces, effective January 1, 2025.   According to LCMC, the Las Cruces minimum wage will…
Cactus and succulents

Lush and Lean Fall Workshops

The Lush and Lean program helps residents to make the best use of the limited water resources available by developing and maintaining gardens and landscapes that are also water-wise. The…
Golden colored shovels lined up in dirt for ceremonial groundbreaking

Peachtree Canyon Groundbreaking

You’re Invited! Please join us for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Peachtree Canyon Apartments, a 144-unit affordable housing development. Date: October 10, 2024 Time: 10:00 AM Location: Corner of Peachtree Hills…