The shooting happened on Friday and involved APD officers.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) held a press conference on Sunday to address a fatal officer-involved shooting that happened on Friday.
APD reported officers were conducting a “code enforcement” operation at Tewa Lodge for crime and drug use. Officers encountered an unidentified man and put him in the back of a patrol vehicle because he was “combative.” Authorities were trying to “avoid the use of force,” so they did not search the man before placing him in the vehicle.
Officers spoke with the man for about 45 minutes before he allegedly admitted to having a firearm. A struggle ensued as authorities tried to remove the gun. Gunfire followed the struggle, and the suspect was killed.
The deceased person was identified as Matthew Freddie Garcia.
APD Chief Harold Medina stressed the importance of complying with officers during an arrest because violence will just escalate the situation.
After the shooting, protesters gathered at the location, and another struggle ensued. This ended with two arrests.