DEMING – The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday evening in Los Lunas, a community in Valencia County, leaving one man pronounced dead and no officers injured.
According to information released by the New Mexico State Police, agents were requested to investigate the incident on April 24, 2026, after a State Police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop involving a gray 2004 Dodge pickup truck on Manzano Road at approximately 8:30 p.m. Authorities said the driver failed to yield to emergency equipment and continued driving before eventually stopping at a residence located at 4 Sierra Vista Drive in the Meadow Lake area.
Investigators reported that the driver, identified as Jesus Munoz Duran, age 53, exited the vehicle and stood beside the driver’s side door. The officer issued commands for Duran to show his hands. During the encounter, officials stated that Duran produced a pistol and fired at the officer. The officer then returned fire using a department-issued firearm, striking Duran.
Police said the officer immediately rendered aid to Duran until emergency medical personnel arrived on scene. Authorities said Duran was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
Authorities confirmed that Duran was on probation at the time of the incident for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and had a prior felony conviction. No officers were injured during the shooting.
The identity of the officer involved has not been released pending completion of required interviews. The officer has been placed on standard administrative leave in accordance with department policy.
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is continuing to document the scene, collect evidence, and interview witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation. Officials emphasized that State Police act solely as factfinders in officer-involved shooting investigations and do not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified. That determination will be made by the appropriate district attorney’s office after reviewing the completed investigative report.
All persons mentioned in today’s report are innocent until proven guilty by a court.
By John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications, LLC
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