Roswell, NM – A domestic disturbance call in Roswell escalated into a violent shootout early Thursday, leaving two law enforcement officers injured and multiple charges filed against a 29-year-old man.
According to the New Mexico State Police, officers responded around 12:31 a.m. to a home on East 6th Street after reports of a domestic disturbance involving a suicidal male identified as Dakota Perkins. Investigators said Perkins immediately opened fire on arriving Roswell Police officers while wearing body armor and armed with multiple firearms, including an automatic rifle.
Perkins allegedly shot a Roswell Police officer and a Chaves County Sheriff’s deputy during the exchange of gunfire. The officer was treated locally while the deputy was flown to a Texas hospital for further treatment. Authorities said multiple homes and vehicles were also struck by bullets.
New Mexico State Police reported that officers from Roswell Police, Chaves County Sheriff’s Office, and State Police all returned fire, striking Perkins. During crisis negotiations, Perkins allegedly admitted to pulling the pin on a flash grenade, which detonated without causing additional injuries. Negotiators convinced him to disarm and surrender before he was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Perkins faces several felony charges, including two counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of assault with intent to commit a violent felony upon a peace officer, two counts of aggravated battery upon a peace officer with a deadly weapon, and two counts of child abuse not resulting in death or great bodily harm.
Authorities said names of the involved officers will not be released until interviews are completed. The investigation remains ongoing and will be reviewed by the district attorney’s office to determine whether officers’ use of force was justified.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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