Man Killed in Officer-Involved Shooting by APD was Under Investigation for Violent Rape

Albuquerque –

Yesterday, the Albuquerque Police Department held a press conference on two separate officer involved shootings it’s officers were involved in. One revelation from the press briefing was that the suspect from a May 26th, 2026, incident was implicated in a violent rape a few months prior.

23-year-old Jose Armas was shot and killed by APD when a tense standoff happened on May 26th, 2026. Jose Armas, 23, was shot by officers around 7:45 p.m. at an apartment in the 1500 block of 8^th St. NW. Armas was armed with a handgun as family members and officers attempted to de-escalate the situation. 

Armas initially shot at officers around 7:24 p.m. from a second-floor window. He later fired several additional rounds, prompting two officers to return fire. Armas was struck by the gunfire and died at the scene. Officers also used less-lethal, 40mm munitions during the incident to get Armas to comply with commands, but those efforts were not effective.

During the July 2nd, 2026 press briefing a prerecorded video presentation of the incident mentioned Armas was being investigated for rape, aggravated assault, and kidnapping charges. In the press briefing room, two City of Albuquerque attorneys stood in the back.

When question and answer period started, reporters asked to expand about the case and APD officials deferred to just listing the charges and did not expand on the questions asked. They said they would send the police report.

APD did send the police report, it outlined a violent night for a female victim on March 31st, 2026. She stated that she was Downtown celebrating her sister’s birthday and met Jose Armas. They exchanged numbers and later in the night, Armas, sent a text to see if she wanted to go for walk.

The report states the victim met up with Aramas and they went down an alley. Armas wanted to have sex and the woman kept saying no. He pulled down her clothing and raped her. During the rape, Armas took her phone and beat her with the phone over the head. She stated Armas ejaculated on the alley floor.

The woman went to UNMH for her injuries and reported the sexual assault and give statements to the police. A crime scene specialist was called to the scene and was able to gather evidence in the alley where the assault occurred.

On April 20th, 2026, APD obtained a search warrant for Armas’ DNA and cell phone. Armas met with APD and submitted a buccal swab and his iPhone. When detectives asked additional questions about the incident, he stated he wanted to speak with a lawyer.

On May 26th, 2026, Armas was in a shootout with APD and was killed.