NMSP Investigates Multi-Agency Officer-Involved Shooting In Roswell

In a release from the NMSP they announced that on August 28, 2025, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate a multi-agency officer-involved shooting (OIS).

State Police agents learned that on August 28th, 2025, at approximately 12:31 a.m., Roswell Police Department officers responded to 614 East 6th Street for a domestic disturbance between a male and female. The male subject, identified as 29-year-old Dakota Perkins, was also reported to have suicidal ideation.

Upon the arrival of Roswell Police officers, Perkins immediately began firing upon officers. It was learned that Perkins was armed with multiple firearms, including an automatic rifle, and was wearing body armor. Furthermore, he was also in possession of a flash grenade and Tannerite. Chaves County Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico State Police arrived moments later. Perkins continued to fire upon officers, and a Roswell Police officer and a Chaves County Sheriff’s Office deputy were both shot by Perkins. The Roswell Police officer was treated locally for his injuries, and the deputy was flown to a Texas hospital for further treatment.

Multiple structures and vehicles were also struck by Perkins’ gunfire.

During the exchange, officers from the Roswell Police Department, a deputy from the Chaves County Sheriff’s Office, and New Mexico State Police officers all discharged their firearms, and Perkins was struck by law enforcement gunfire. After being struck by gunfire, Perkins entered negotiations with two Roswell Police Department Crisis Negotiators. While speaking to negotiators, Perkins stated that he had already pulled the pin from the flash grenade and had to detonate it to get rid of it. The flash grenade exploded without any injuries. Negotiators were able to get Perkins to put the weapons down, remove body armor, and surrender to law enforcement. He was taken into custody without further incident and treated for his injuries at a local area hospital.

Perkins is charged with the following:

• Two Counts - Attempt To Commit A Felony, To Wit: First Degree Murder (Willful Or Deliberate)

• Two Counts - Assault With Intent To Commit A Violent Felony Upon A Peace Officer

• Two Counts - Aggravated Battery Upon A Peace Officer (Deadly Weapon)

• Two Counts - Abuse Of A Child (Does Not Result In Death Or Great Bodily Harm)

New Mexico State Police will not release the names of the NMSP officers involved until after all officer interviews have been completed. Furthermore, NMSP will not release the names of officers/deputies involved from the Roswell Police Department and the Chaves County Sheriff’s Office. Please contact each respective agency for information on the officers’ names, duty statuses, 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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