9-05-2024 6:31pm

Officer Involved Shooting in Santa Fe Under Investigation

Chris Edwards Editor

In a release from the New Mexico State Police its reporting that on September 4, 2024, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested by the Santa Fe Police Department (SFPD) to investigate an officer-involved shooting (OIS) at 3000 Cerrillos Road.

Agents learned that around 9:30 p.m., SFPD officers were dispatched to the area of Smith's Grocery located at 2308 Cerrillos Road, where Jesus Rafael Contreras, 41, of Santa Fe, was reported to be suicidal and armed with a firearm. Officers arrived and were unable to locate Contreras. Dispatch told officers they had him on the phone, and they believed they heard a gunshot.

Contreras told dispatch he was parked in a white vehicle at Denny's. Officers found a white Chevy Blazer driving into the Denny's parking lot and initiated a traffic stop. Contreras stopped in the parking lot of Allsup's, located at 3000 Cerillos Road.

Officers gave Contreras commands to get out of the vehicle unarmed. He exited the vehicle armed with a firearm. At this point in the encounter, at least one SFPD officer discharged their weapon toward Contreras, striking him at least once.

Officers provided first aid until medical personnel arrived on the scene and transported Contreras to a local hospital, where he is being treated. SFPD arrested and charged Contreras. Contact SFPD for details on that arrest, charges, and his condition.

No officers were injured during the incident. New Mexico State Police does not identify officers from other agencies. For that information and details on their duty status and administrative actions taken, contact SFPD.

New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. The investigative findings will be shared with the district attorney for review and consideration throughout the process.

The New Mexico State Police acts solely as factfinders in its cases and does not determine whether an officer's actions were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the district attorney's office. This incident remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.