APD Releases Details of July Officer-Involved Shooting

Albuquerque –

Today, the Albuquerque Police Department released details of an officer-involved shooting that occurred on July 4, 2025 at a home on Albuquerque’s South West Side. An officer shot and critically injured Jerry Baldonado after he pointed what appeared to be a firearm at police.

Officers in the Southwest Area Command were called to a home in the 2100 block of South Branch Dr. S.W. around 12:20 p.m. The caller, later determined to be Baldonado, requested officers to deal with a family dispute.

Baldonado, 21, had difficulty communicating with the 911 call-taker. He said his brother was yelling at him and at one point said his brother had a gun the previous day. He did not answer additional questions.

Officers arrived at the home at 12:35 p.m. As Officer Dominic Sanchez approached the front door and announced twice that he was with the police department, Baldonado abruptly opened the door with his left hand and raised with what appeared to be a handgun in his right hand pointed towards Officer Sanchez.

Officer Sanchez stepped back and took cover behind a stucco pillar and yelled several times for Baldonado to put the gun down. Baldonado pointed the apparent handgun at Officer Sanchez as he ducked on either side of the pillar and drew his own handgun. Baldonado switched his gun to his left hand, and extended it out toward Officer Sanchez. Officer Sanchez told him a final time to put the gun down or he would get shot. As Officer Sanchez moved to the left of the pillar, Baldonado had the gun pointed directly at the officer. Officer Sanchez fired three shots which struck Baldonado, who fell to the ground.

Officers provided first-aid to Baldonado and he was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for his gunshot wounds. Baldonado is still recovering from his wounds.

Investigators located an airsoft BB gun that was designed to replicate a large handgun.

Over the next several months, APD will continue to investigate and analyze this incident. Detectives will continue interviewing any new witnesses that come forward and complete any forensic tests. The Multi-Agency Task Force will forward its case to the District Attorney’s Office to make any determination of criminal charges.

APD says that their Internal Affairs Force Division will also investigate the shooting to determine whether the department’s policies were followed. The results of the administrative investigation will be forwarded to the city’s Superintendent of Police Reform to make final decisions on discipline.

APD’s Force Review Board, made up of deputy chiefs, will review the incident to identify trends and potential policy changes that may be needed in response to any shortcomings that are identified.

SUBJECT:                            Jerry Baldonado, 21          

INVOLVED OFFICERS:     Officer Dominic Sanchez, who has been with the department since 2014, has not been involved in prior officer-involved shootings.