SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) — The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau has released new information on a shooting from July 26, involving a Santa Fe Police Department officer. The shooting left the suspect, Paul Gallegos, injured, according to NMSP. No officers were injured.
Santa Fe police were dispatched to a welfare check at Reata Road at about 1 p.m. that day. The caller was requesting a welfare for an individual believed to have been physically assaulted by Gallegos. Upon arriving, police spoke with the individual, who got out of an RV on the property through a window. They denied any abuse, though according to NMSP, there were visible injuries, including facial swelling and scratches.
During the conversation, a gunshot rang off from inside the RV. SFPD then requested aid from NMSP, who arrived to the scene at about 1:25 p.m. Officers demanded Gallegos exit the RV, while one officer noticed what seemed to be the barrel of a firearm from one of the RV’s windows. Gunfire rang out not long after, according to reports, and “at least one NMSP officer discharged their duty weapon in response.”
Gallegos then left the RV. He was taken into custody. A medical raid was rendered, and then he was taken to a hospital for treatment. According to NMSP, Gallegos admitted he had gotten into a physical dispute with the individual for whom the welfare check had been called. NMSP states that Gallegos also admitted to firing his gun from inside the RV.
Gallegos is facing these charges:
- Two counts of aggravated assault upon a peace officer
- Battery against a household member
- Possession of a firearm or destructive device by a felon
NMSP says the identity of the involved officer will not be released until interviews have been completed. The officer has been placed on administrative leave. “The identity of the NMSP officer will not be released until interviews are completed. The officer has been placed on standard administrative leave,” NMSP wrote in their statement. “New Mexico State Police act solely as factfinders in their investigation and conduct an unbiased and impartial investigation. In officer-involved shootings, NMSP thoroughly documents the scene, collects evidence, and interviews officers, subjects, and witnesses.”
Facts and reports will be presented to the district attorney for review. The DA’s office will determine whether the officer’s actions were justified.
