Man injured during police shooting in Luna County

Organ Mountain News report

DEMING - The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Dec. 1 in Luna County.

The incident began around 8:15 p.m. when Luna County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call at 8030 Monte Road SE in Deming. Upon arrival, deputies encountered 55-year-old John Dwillis standing near a white Dodge Ram pickup truck.

According to investigators, Dwillis fired at least one shot from a firearm during the interaction before barricading himself inside the truck. The deputy retreated to their patrol vehicle for cover and requested assistance.

NMSP officers arrived on the scene and attempted to negotiate with Dwillis. At some point during the negotiations, an NMSP officer discharged their firearm, striking Dwillis. He was airlifted to a hospital in Texas, where he remains in stable condition.

No officers were injured during the incident.

Charges and investigation

Dwillis has been charged with one count of aggravated assault upon a peace officer with a deadly weapon.

The NMSP officer involved in the shooting has not been identified, as interviews are still ongoing. The officer has been placed on standard administrative leave, per department protocol.

The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is working to determine the sequence of events that led to the shooting, collecting evidence and conducting interviews. The findings will be submitted to the district attorney’s office, which will decide whether the officer’s actions were justified.

The investigation is ongoing, and no further details have been released at this time.