Police identify suspect shot by LCPD on South Main Street

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - Las Cruces police have identified the suspect involved in an officer-involved shooting on March 13 in the 800 block of South Main Street as Gabriel Padilla, 19.

Officers initially responded to reports of a man armed with a gun in the 500 block of South Main Street. Upon arrival, police encountered Padilla, who fled on foot. During a brief pursuit, at least one shot was fired, striking Padilla. He fell to the ground in the 800 block of South Main Street, where police recovered a firearm.

Padilla was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in stable condition. He faces charges of aggravated assault on a peace officer with a deadly weapon, negligent use of a deadly weapon and resisting, evading or obstructing an officer.

Investigators believe there may have been witnesses to the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call 575-526-0795.

The Officer-Involved Incident Task Force, including investigators from New Mexico State Police, Las Cruces Police Department, Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico State University Police, continues to investigate the incident.

A news conference to provide additional details will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 20, in the Council Chambers at Las Cruces City Hall, 700 N. Main St. It will also be livestreamed at youtube.com/@LasCrucesGov.