Albuquerque police release details on shooting involving officer, suspect injured
According to APD, the sergeant shot and critically injured the suspect after being charged at with a knife on June 2, 2026
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —
The Albuquerque Police Department released details of a shooting involving an officer on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. According to APD, Sgt. Paul Durham fired two rounds from his duty-issued firearm after Benjamin Siegling, 37, charged at him with a knife following an encounter in Northeast Albuquerque on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Related: Police shooting leaves one hurt in northeast Albuquerque
June 16, 2026 Mugshot | Benjamin Siegling, Grand Jury Indictment
According to APD, Sgt. Durham patrolled the area as the location is one of the “focus areas” for officers due to increased criminal activity. Shortly after, Durham spotted Siegling jaywalking east of the intersection of Osuna Rd. and Jefferson St. Northeast. Initially, Siegling identified himself as Matthew Siegling and told Durham he did not have any warrants.
However, the information Siegling provided to Durham did not match after he was detained. As a result, Durham believed Siegling had concealed his identity by using his brother’s name. Shortly after, Siegling fled on foot southbound across Osuna Rd.
According to APD, Durham chased after him. During the pursuit, investigators state Siegling suddenly stopped, turned, and advanced toward Durham with an object in his hand. Moments later Durham fired two rounds at Siegling. According to APD, he was shot in chest and in his right arm. In the body camera footage, Durham stated to officers, “he charged at me with a knife.”
Investigators later determined Siegling had a training butterfly knife, according to APD.
According to APD, Siegling was transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital where he received treatment for his gunshot wounds. He was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center on June 16, 2026, and released on Monday, July 20, 2026, with conditions of release.
Siegling Charges
- Concealing Identity
- Resisting Arrest
- Aggravated Assault upon a Police officer
According to APD, Siegling initially told Durham he did not have any warrants. However, detectives determined he is a convicted felon and had two felony warrants for violating conditions of parole and two misdemeanor warrants related to shoplifting and assault on a peace officer.
APD hired Durham in 2011 and has been involved in two prior shootings involving officers. According to APD, there have been a total of seven shootings involving officers in Albuquerque for 2026.
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