New Mexico State Police Investigating OIS Involving the Roswell Police Department

On November 18th, 2024, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested by the Roswell Police Department to investigate an officer-involved shooting (OIS) involving a Roswell Police Department officer.

State Police agents learned that at approximately 7:30 a.m. a child called 911 from 7 Oak Drive, stating their father had a gun. When officers arrived, they encountered Timothy Riley, 30, outside of his residence and armed with a handgun.

Riley got into a vehicle on the property with two children seated in the back. Officers began giving Riley verbal commands to show his hands, but he did not comply. Riley fired multiple gunshots at officers from inside the vehicle while the two children were still seated in the back.

One officer fired at least one shot; and after an exchange of gunfire, Riley was observed on the ground outside of the vehicle with a gunshot wound. Riley was transported to a local area hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. No officers were injured during this incident.

The name of the officer involved will not be released by New Mexico State Police. Contact the Roswell Police Department for information on the officers’ name, their duty status, and any administrative actions taken. The New Mexico State Police act solely as factfinders in their investigations and conduct an unbiased and impartial investigation.

In officer-involved shootings, NMSP thoroughly documents the scene, collects evidence, and interviews officers, subjects, and witnesses. In turn, the agency compiles facts as detailed as possible and forwards all reports and evidence to the appropriate district attorney for further review.

The New Mexico State Police does not determine whether an officer's actions were justified. This determination rests solely with the district attorney reviewing the investigation.

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