DEMING – New Mexico State Police are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Wednesday night in Roswell.
According to the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau, the incident began around 8:42 p.m. when an officer attempted to stop a silver Cadillac near West Berrendo Road and Main Street. The driver failed to yield and fled from the attempted traffic stop.
Authorities say the vehicle entered a trailer park located at 3201 North Kentucky Avenue, where it eventually stopped at a dead end. Two NMSP officers then conducted what is described as a high-risk stop.
Police identified the driver as 64-year-old William James Roberts. Officers instructed Roberts to exit the vehicle with his hands in the air, but investigators say he was seen reaching inside the vehicle before exiting with a handgun, which he then pointed at officers.
Both officers discharged their weapons, striking Roberts at least once. First aid was provided at the scene until emergency medical personnel arrived. Roberts was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
No officers or members of the public were injured during the incident. A firearm was recovered at the scene.
The case remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau.