Los Lunas, NM – A late Friday night traffic stop in Valencia County escalated into a fatal officer-involved shooting, leaving one man dead and prompting an ongoing state investigation.
According to New Mexico State Police, the incident unfolded around 8:30 p.m. on April 24, 2026, when officers attempted to stop a gray 2004 Dodge pickup truck along Manzano Road in Los Lunas, a community in Valencia County south of Albuquerque. Authorities said the driver did not initially yield and continued driving before eventually stopping near Sierra Vista Drive in the Meadow Lake area.
Investigators identified the driver as 53-year-old Jesus Munoz Duran. Police said Duran exited the vehicle and remained near the driver’s side door as officers issued commands for him to show his hands.
According to state police, during the encounter, Duran allegedly produced a firearm and pointed it at an officer. In response, the officer discharged their duty weapon, striking Duran. Officers on scene provided aid until paramedics arrived, but Duran was pronounced dead at the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
Authorities also stated that Duran was on probation for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and was a convicted felon.
No officers were injured during the incident. The officer involved has not been publicly identified and has been placed on standard administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is leading the case and will submit findings to the appropriate district attorney, who will determine whether the use of force was justified.
This article was produced by our editorial team with assistance from automated tools. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
