This update identifies the officers involved and gives additional details that led up to the shooting.
Roswell, NM- On April 15, 2021, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was contacted to investigate a police shooting involving the Roswell Police Department (RPD) and the Chaves County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
State Police Investigations Bureau agents learned that on April 15, 2021, at approximately 11:26 p.m., a sergeant with CCSO attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a white Ford pick-up truck on Mathews Street and South Main Street in Roswell. The vehicle fled and a vehicle pursuit was initiated.
The driver, later identified as Victor Ivan Barron (22) of Roswell, traveled west on Mathews Street to Pennsylvania. During the pursuit, CCSO requested the assistance of RPD. RPD deployed tire deflation devices at Union Avenue and Country Club Road. Barron traveled east on Main Street. As the vehicle traveled south on Main Street, a second set of tire deflation devices were deployed on Main Street just north of 19th Street. Barron avoided the tire deflation devices and drove into the parking lot of the JP Stone Community Bank. Barron exited the vehicle and a short foot pursuit ensued.
As officers were pursuing Barron on foot, they observed he was holding an object in both hands close to his chest. Barron turned around and pointed a handgun towards RPD Officer Danny Flott’s face. Officer Danny Flott, along with RPD Officer Abrem Atencio and CCSO Deputy Samuel Lueras, saw Barron pointing the firearm at Officer Flott’s face at close range. Fearing for their lives, and the life of Officer Flott, all three officers discharged at least one round from their duty-issued firearms. Barron was struck by the officers’ gunfire.
Emergency aid was rendered to Barron on scene. He was transported to Eastern New Mexico Medical Center in Roswell, where he later died from his injuries. No officers or deputies were injured during the incident. Officer Danny Flott has been with RPD for 2 years with 6 months of prior law enforcement experience. RPD Officer Abrem Atencio has been with RPD for 3 years. CCSO Deputy Samuel Lueras has been with CCSO for 4 months and has 7 ½ years prior law enforcement experience.
This investigation is being led by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau. For administrative inquiries regarding the officers and deputies please reach out to RPD and CCSO. For details concerning the reason of the traffic stop please contact the CCSO. Upon completion of the State Police investigation, this case will be forwarded to an assigned district attorney’s office for review.
