NMSP investigating police shooting involving Alamogordo Police
Digital Assignment Editor
NMSP is investigating a police shooting involving the Alamogordo Police Department.
On Aug. 26, at approximately 11:42 a.m., a 911 call was placed from 1711 Alamo Avenue in reference to a suicidal male armed with a rifle. There were three family members inside the house with the male. The male was later identified as Keith Charles Cowgill, 50, of Alamogordo.
As officers responded, the three family members left the residence, but Cowgill remained inside. When officers arrived on scene, a perimeter was set up around the residence. Numerous communication attempts were made by the Alamogordo Police Department to make contact with Cowgill but were unsuccessful.
Officers with Alamogordo crisis intervention attempted to deescalate the situation, but were unsuccessful, including verbal commands on a loud speaker and an officer placing a phone on the porch for Cowgill to use for communication, but were unsuccessful.
During negotiations, Cowgill came out of the front door armed with a rifle. Four Alamogordo police officers discharged their duty weapons, striking Cowgill. Medical aid was rendered, and Cowgill was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The three family members were not injured during this incident.
No officers were injured. NMSP says the officers involved will not be identified.
This incident remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Investigations Bureau.
