'COPS' Film Crew With N.M. State Police Witnesses Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting
What to Know
- A New Mexico State Police officer fatally shot a man after authorities say he fled a jaywalking stop, struggled with the officer and fired a handgun during the encounter.
- A film crew for the TV show “COPS” was riding along with state police and filming when the shooting occurred in Southeast Albuquerque.
- The man, 26-year-old Izaeah Washington, died at the hospital, and the officer was placed on administrative leave while multiple agencies investigate the shooting.
A film crew for the TV show “COPS” was on a ride-along with New Mexico State Police on Saturday when an officer exchanged gunfire with a man — killing him — during a foot chase in Southeast Albuquerque.
State Police spokesperson Sgt. Ricardo Breceda said 26-year-old Izaeah Washington, who was initially stopped by police for jaywalking, died at a hospital. The officer was uninjured.
Breceda confirmed in an email that “COPS” was filming with State Police when the shooting occurred. Court records show Washington was released from jail Aug. 19 when a judge denied a pretrial detention motion against him in an armed burglary case.
State District Court Judge Joseph Montano found prosecutors met their burden that Washington was “likely dangerous if released” but did not prove that conditions of release could not mitigate the danger.
Before that, in May, Washington was arrested after allegedly tackling and punching an officer, but the case was dismissed when the officer couldn’t attend a hearing. In June, Washington was arrested again for a misdemeanor after allegedly firing a gun during a dispute with his roommate and was pending trial.
On Saturday around noon, Breceda said the State Police officer saw Washington and another man jaywalking on Cochiti SE, a residential street in a neighborhood near San Pedro and Central. The officer exited his vehicle and told the men they were being detained.
He said Washington began running and the officer gave chase, leading to a physical struggle as they fell to the ground.
“During the altercation, Washington brandished a handgun and fired at least one round, missing the officer,” Breceda said in a news release. “In response, the officer discharged his department-issued firearm at Washington, striking him at least once.”
He said a gun found on Washington had been reported stolen. Breceda said the officer has been placed on administrative leave.
“This case remains under investigation by the NMSP Investigations Bureau and the Multi-Agency Task Force, which includes the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and the Albuquerque Police Department,” Breceda said.
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