APD Fatally Shoots Armed Felon Responsible for Death of Beloved Police K9, Eluded Capture Day Before

Albuquerque –

This morning, the Albuquerque Police Department provided an update to the officer-involved shooting that occurred early this morning near the Airport. According to APD, detectives were searching for a wanted suspect who evaded police during a SWAT activation on May 27, 2025. It is believed the SWAT incident mentioned occurred in the War Zone near Grove and Domingo, where the suspect evaded capture. APD tracked the suspect on Wednesday to a hotel at 1401 Woodward Rd. S.E., which is near the Sunport.

SWAT officers were called to the hotel to assist detectives in the apprehension of the suspect, a 39-year-old man with an extensive criminal history. From our research, the suspect (who hasn’t been officially named) has well over 30 charges on NM Courts dating back to 2006. Crisis negotiators attempted to make contact with the suspect at 12:55 AM. He re-entered his hotel room and broke the window and jumped outside once again trying top make an escape.

SWAT officers challenged the suspect and deployed a police service dog. The dog bit the suspect, causing him to fall to the ground. The dog maintained hold of the suspect, and as officers approached, they observed he had a firearm. Shots were fired, striking the suspect. The dog was also struck during the shooting. It is unclear who shot the police K9 at this time.

Medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, but the suspect died at the scene.

The police service dog, Rebel, sustained gunshot wounds and was immediately taken to the vet, but he was gravely injured from his wounds. Veterinarians later pronounced him deceased.

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Investigators have cleared the scene. A handgun was located next to the suspect’s body. Detectives are contacting the suspect’s next of kin before releasing his identity.

APD states “over the next several months, the Multi-Agency Task Force will continue to investigate and analyze this incident.”