Written by Officer Ray Wilson 07/15/2021
This update corrects Deputy Guzman’s years of service, clarifies when the vehicle was determined to be stolen, and updates details leading up to the shooting.
Santa Fe, NM – On June 23, 2021, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate an officer involved shooting in Santa Fe involving the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office (SFCSO).
Investigators learned that on June 23, 2021, SFCSO dayshift deputies encountered a black Ford Ranger truck driven by Nathan Roybal, 32, of Santa Fe, NM. Roybal attempted to strike a SFCSO patrol unit, and a pursuit ensued. That pursuit was ultimately terminated. SFCSO dayshift deputies issued a be on the lookout (BOLO) for Roybal and the black Ford Ranger to SFCSO evening and graveyard shifts.
Later that same evening, at around 11:00 p.m., SFCSO Deputy Leonardo Guzman located the black Ford Ranger being driven by Roybal on West Alameda. The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle, but Roybal evaded him. SFCSO Corporal Chris Zook and Deputy Jacob Martinez arrived to assist with the pursuit.
After a pursuit lasting several minutes, Roybal stopped at the intersection of Siler and Rufina Court. The deputies saw Roybal point a handgun towards them from outside the driver’s side window. At this time, all three deputies discharged their duty weapons towards Roybal. Roybal got out of the vehicle armed with the handgun. Roybal brandished the handgun towards deputies, who again fired at Roybal. Roybal was struck by gunfire and succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
No deputies were injured during this incident. Corporal Chris Zook has 9 years of law enforcement experience and has been with SFCSO for 6 years. Deputy Leonardo Guzman has 10 years of law enforcement experience and has been with SFCSO for 2 years. Deputy Jacob Martinez has 11 years of law enforcement experience and has been with SFCSO for 6 months.
During the investigation agents later learned that the Ford Ranger had been reported stolen to Santa Fe PD on May 1, 2021. For information on the pursuit earlier in the day, why deputies were looking for Roybal, and the duty status of the deputies involved please reach out to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. The officer involved shooting investigation is being led by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau. Once this investigation is complete, the reports will be forwarded to the appropriate district attorney’s office for review.
