A sworn Albuquerque Police Department officer died in custody early Wednesday after Bernalillo County sheriff’s deputies discovered him with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound while executing an arrest warrant on domestic violence charges, authorities said.
The incident began Wednesday morning when a woman and her juvenile child fled to an East Mountains school to report an ongoing domestic violence situation, according to the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. School staff immediately notified authorities, and both victims are now safe, the agency said.
Sheriff’s detectives obtained arrest and search warrants for the APD officer on charges including kidnapping, criminal sexual penetration, false imprisonment, interference with communication, battery on a household member and child abuse, the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Deputies from the sheriff’s Special Operations unit responded Wednesday evening to the suspect’s residence on Piñon Trail in Cedar Crest to execute the warrants. They made repeated announcements instructing the suspect to exit peacefully, according to the release.
Shortly after midnight Wednesday, deputies found the suspect inside with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said. No deputies discharged their weapons or were injured during the operation.
Entry into the residence was delayed due to fire damage that required Fire Marshal personnel to determine the structure was safe, the sheriff’s office said.
The Multi-Agency Task Force was activated to conduct an independent investigation because the incident involved an in-custody death during a warrant operation. The state Office of the Medical Investigator will determine the official cause and manner of death.
The sheriff’s office declined to release the suspect’s identity, directing questions about employment details to APD.
The victims are receiving support and services, and no further identifying information will be released to protect their privacy, authorities said.
“This was a complex and deeply troubling situation,” Sheriff John Allen said in the statement. “We are grateful the victims were able to get to safety and that they had the courage to come forward.”
The investigation continues through independent processes, Allen said.
