Alamogordo, NM – On Saturday, February 4, 2023, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was contacted to investigate an officer-involved shooting involving the Alamogordo Police Department (APD) and the Otero County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO).
Agents learned at around 7:09 a.m., the Alamogordo Police Department (APD) and the Otero County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) responded to the 1000 block of 16th Street Alamogordo, NM, in reference to a single-vehicle crash. After the crash, witnesses reported that the driver of the vehicle attempted to gain access to a nearby residence and was seen getting into the homeowner’s sports utility vehicle parked in the driveway before leaving on foot. When officers arrived near 1100 Greenwood Lane, they made contact with the suspect, identified as Robert Gutierrez Jr., 37, of Alamogordo. An APD officer and OCSO sergeant gave commands to Gutierrez, who was armed with a firearm, to drop the gun. Shortly afterwards, an APD officer and OCSO sergeant fired their department-issued weapons, striking Gutierrez.
The APD officer and OCSO sergeant immediately rendered aid to Gutierrez until emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene. Gutierrez was transported to an area hospital in Alamogordo where he is being treated for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. No officers or deputies were injured during this incident.
The Alamogordo Police officer and Otero County Sheriff’s Office sergeant involved will not be named by the New Mexico State Police. For information on their duty status or administrative actions taken, and information on the crash or the charges that Gutierrez will be facing, please contact the Alamogordo Police Department and Otero County Sheriff’s Office.
This incident remains under investigation by the NMSP Investigations Bureau, which works to independently determine the series of events that led up to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings are shared with the district attorney for their review and consideration.
The New Mexico State Police acts solely as a factfinder in its cases and does not determine whether the actions of an officer were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the district attorney’s office.
Any available updates on this investigation will be posted online at https://www.dps.nm.gov/pio-news-release/.
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