Raton, NM – New Mexico State Police are investigating a multi-agency officer-involved shooting that left a 68-year-old man dead after authorities say he repeatedly fired at officers responding to a domestic violence call.
According to the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau, the incident began Saturday, Aug. 1, when Raton Police Department officers responded to a reported domestic violence incident at a home in the 400 block of 3rd Street.
While officers were interviewing a woman involved in the incident, authorities said Paul Andrew Terry, 68, exited the residence and allegedly fired multiple rounds at responding officers before retreating back inside.
New Mexico State Police were called to assist, arriving at approximately 6:50 p.m. Officers from both agencies established a perimeter around the residence while an NMSP officer attempted to negotiate with Terry by telephone in an effort to peacefully resolve the situation.
According to investigators, Terry became increasingly confrontational, eventually stopped communicating with officers, and continued firing multiple rounds at law enforcement personnel from inside and outside the residence.
During the exchange, officers saw Terry and fired their department-issued weapons, striking him at least once, according to State Police. Emergency medical personnel immediately provided lifesaving aid, but Terry later died from his injuries at a local hospital.
No officers or members of the public were injured during the incident, although several law enforcement vehicles were struck by gunfire.
New Mexico State Police said they will not release the identities of the involved officers until interviews have been completed. The agency emphasized that it serves as an independent fact-finder in officer-involved shootings, with investigative findings ultimately submitted to the appropriate district attorney for review.
