17-Year-Old Holding Airsoft Gun Shot Dead by Deputy, NMSP Reports
DEMING – The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is looking into an officer-involved shooting that occurred around 10:45 PM on June 25th. An Otero County Sheriff’s deputy was conducting a welfare check along US-70 near mile marker 240, about five miles southwest of Mescalero, New Mexico.
A report had been made about 17-year-old Elijah Hadley walking along the median of the highway. Upon arrival, the deputy saw Hadley holding what appeared to be a firearm. The deputy fired at least one round, striking Hadley, who died at the scene. The deputy was not injured.
KVIA-TV in El Paso reported that agents later determined the object Hadley presented was an airsoft gun. NMSP officials have stated they will not identify the deputy involved in the incident.