Alamogordo Officer-Involved Shooting Victim Identified Per NM State Police Update

Alamogordo, New Mexico — January 14, 2026 — The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Investigations Bureau is leading an independent probe into a late-night officer-involved shooting (OIS) that left a 41-year-old man dead after he reportedly approached officers armed with a knife, ignoring commands to stop.

The incident unfolded shortly before midnight on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at approximately 11:42 p.m., following a 911 call reporting a possible burglary at a residence located at 101 Virginia Avenue. The home sits directly across from a dispensary on East 1st Street in Alamogordo.

According to the NMSP release, Alamogordo Police Department officers initially responded to the dispensary area and began checking the surroundings. A male at the residence alerted officers that someone was in his backyard wielding a knife.

As one officer approached the property, the suspect — later identified as Anthony Zane Blalock, 41 — emerged from behind an enclosed porch and walked toward the officer. A second Alamogordo officer arrived on scene around the same time.

When questioned about the knife, Blalock reportedly responded “me” and produced the weapon. Officers repeatedly ordered him to drop it, but he disregarded the commands and continued advancing toward one of the officers with the knife in hand.

Both officers discharged their duty weapons, striking Blalock. They immediately attempted to render aid, but emergency medical personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene a short time later. Neither officer sustained injuries during the encounter.

Further investigation by NMSP agents revealed no evidence of a burglary or any other individual present inside the home or in the backyard. Agents also noted lacerations to Blalock’s face and wrist that appeared to be self-inflicted.

The case remains open and active. As standard protocol in officer-involved shootings, the NMSP serves solely as factfinders, thoroughly documenting the scene, collecting evidence, and interviewing relevant parties. All reports and evidence will be forwarded to the appropriate district attorney for review and determination on whether the officers’ actions were justified. The NMSP does not make that determination itself.

The names of the involved Alamogordo Police Department officers will not be released by the NMSP due to the ongoing investigation. Inquiries regarding the officers’ identities, duty status, or any administrative actions should be directed to the Alamogordo Police Department.

This marks the latest officer-involved incident in Alamogordo, a community that has seen prior high-profile cases involving law enforcement, including a 2023 fatal shooting of an APD officer during a pursuit. Local officials confirmed earlier today that the two officers involved in the January 13 event are safe and that NMSP has assumed lead investigative responsibility per state protocols.

For the most up-to-date information, residents are encouraged to monitor official channels from the New Mexico State Police or the Alamogordo Police Department or released and verified information from AlamogordoTownNews.org. The investigation continues.

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