More Details Emerge in Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting on Alamo Avenue

Alamogordo, N.M. — New Mexico State Police have released a fuller account of Wednesday’s officer-involved shooting on Alamo Avenue, and the new details paint a picture of a prolonged standoff and repeated de-escalation efforts before shots were fired.

New in this report:

• Four Alamogordo police officers fired their weapons — the first time a number has been given

• The department’s Crisis Intervention Team was on scene and attempted multiple forms of communication

• Officers tried to leave a department cell phone on the porch so Keith Cowgill could talk with negotiators, but couldn’t complete the attempt

• The man’s full name: Keith Charles Cowgill, 50, of Alamogordo

• Findings will go to the district attorney, who alone decides whether the shooting was justified

According to the State Police Investigations Bureau, a 911 call came in at about 11:42 a.m. on August 26 from 1711 Alamo Avenue, reporting a man in crisis armed with a rifle. Three family members were inside the home with him at the time.

As officers responded, the three family members left the residence safely. Cowgill remained inside, and officers set up a perimeter around the home.

What we now know is that the effort to reach Cowgill was extensive. Alamogordo police made numerous attempts at contact, and officers with the department’s Crisis Intervention Team — a detail not included in earlier releases — tried multiple means of communication to de-escalate the situation. Verbal commands were given over a loudspeaker. At one point, officers approached the house in an attempt to leave a department cell phone on the porch so Cowgill could speak with them directly, but were unable to do so.

During those negotiations, Cowgill came out the front door armed with a rifle. Four officers discharged their duty weapons, striking him. Officers rendered medical aid, and Cowgill was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

No officers or family members were injured.

The State Police Investigations Bureau continues to independently piece together the events leading up to the shooting, collecting evidence and conducting interviews. State Police emphasized their role is strictly fact-finding: their findings go to the district attorney’s office, which will make the determination on whether the officers’ actions were justified.

State Police will not identify the four officers. Questions about their duty status or any administrative actions should be directed to the Alamogordo Police Department.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available around the clock by calling or texting 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. or 911. 

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