State police announce investigation into last week’s RPD officer-involved shooting | Local News

The press release said that in officer-involved shootings in New Mexico, the NMSP conduct impartial investigations of such events by collecting evidence and interviewing officers and witnesses.

A detailed report of the findings is then sent to the office of the district attorney to determine if the shooting by the officers was justified and if those officers will face any criminal charges.

Last week, the RPD said that the two detectives, who were on the scene at the time of the shooting, would be placed on administrative leave while the investigation is taking place.

Salinas was wanted on charges of first-degree murder; shooting at or from a motor vehicle; conspiracy to commit shooting at or from a motor vehicle; receipt, transportation, or possession of a firearm or destructive device by a felon; conspiracy to commit aggravated assault; and three counts of aggravated assault.

The NMSP press release said that the two detectives allegedly shot Salinas after he opened fire on them during a pursuit. Salinas was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.

At about 11:17 a.m., some RPD detectives were at a stoplight when Salinas pulled up next to them in a 2010 Chevy Equinox. The press release stated that detectives recognized Salinas, activated their emergency lights and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on him, but Salinas fled at a high rate of speed.

Salinas reportedly drove north on south Sunset Avenue…