This update names the officer involved and what led up to the shooting.

Albuquerque, NM – On January 21, 2020, a Multi-Agency Task Force which was led by the New Mexico State Police was called to investigate a police shooting on Interstate 25 northbound, near mile marker 231 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

At approximately 10:00 a.m., New Mexico State Police Sergeant Joshua Perea who was assigned to the traffic safety operation in Albuquerque, conducted a welfare check on a blue Jeep Cherokee that was parked on the shoulder of Interstate 25 northbound, near mile marker 231.  As Sgt. Perea checked on the Jeep Cherokee, he was contacted via radio by a State Police Officer who was traveling north on Interstate 25 near his location of a male walking towards him with a handgun. The male was identified as Roman Craig (26) of Albuquerque, NM.  Sergeant Perea observed Craig walking towards him holding a gun and gave Craig commands to drop the handgun which he ignored. Sergeant Perea drew his department issued handgun and continued to give Craig commands to drop the handgun. Craig raised the handgun andpointed it towards Sergeant Perea.  At that time, Sergeant Perea fired once towards Craig, striking him.  Craig fell to the ground and he was taken into custody.  Emergency aid was rendered to Craig on scene.  He was transported by emergency personnel to the University of New Mexico Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

Upon Craig’s release from the hospital, he was booked into the Bernalillo County Metro Detention Center for Aggravated Assault upon a Peace Officer with a Deadly Weapon.  

Sergeant Perea was placed on standard administrative leave. Sergeant Perea has a total of 21 years of Law Enforcement experience. Sergeant Perea has been with the New Mexico State Police for approximately 12 years and 11 months. Prior to New Mexico State Police he worked for the Los Lunas Police Department for 9 years. He is currently stationed in Albuquerque. Upon completion of the investigation, the case will be forwarded to an assigned district attorney’s office for review. No other information is available.