LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) - Las Cruces police fatally shot an 81-year-old man who fired multiple rounds at officers and struck a police vehicle, authorities said.
The Monday afternoon shooting that led to the closure of local roads is under investigation. The three Las Cruces Police Department officers who discharged their weapons were placed on standard administrative leave.
Police said they responded to a home on a report about an elderly man who had suicidal thoughts. The man fired a gun from inside his home and ignored commands to put it down. He eventually came out of the house, still armed, police said.
Three officers fired their weapons, killing the man. His identity hasn’t been released. Las Cruces spokesman Dan Trujillo said Tuesday that police still are working to contact some of the man’s family.
No officers were injured.
A task force made up of local, county and state law enforcement is investigating. It will send its findings to prosecutors for review.
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