APD Shares Details on Police Shooting of Amazon Package Thief

ALBUQUERQUE – APD released details today about an officer-involved shooting in January that resulted in the death of an armed robbery suspect. An officer fatally shot the suspect, James Litteral, as he attempted a carjacking. Litteral died as of a result of the shooting.

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Summary of Incident

Officers in APD’s Foothills Area Command responded to a report of a disturbance at 9:47 a.m. on Jan. 10, 2026 at an Amazon distribution center, located at 11500 Cochiti Rd., S.E. The owner of a nearby building initially called 911 saying he believed several people were burglarizing the warehouse. An employee at the center called 911 shortly after that with a more accurate address, and said an armed man was stealing from the center.

The employee said the man, later identified as James Litteral, was throwing boxes around and left the facility with packages that he placed in a truck. The employee said the man was armed with a gun.

Officers arrived in the area and an employee drove up, contacted them and pointed out the suspect vehicle that was fleeing. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the truck left at a high rate of speed. The truck stopped at Western Skies Dr., and Singing Arrow Ave., S.E. Litteral exited the passenger side and fled the area on foot. He was seen jumping a fence into the backyard of a residence.

While officers searched for Litteral, they learned that the pickup truck left the area and was later spotted at a nearby trailer park.

Officers continued to search for Litteral. An officer eventually saw Litteral at 10:30 a.m. on the roof of a home at 12530 Singing Arrow. After the officer told Litteral to show his hands, Litteral stood up with one hand in his pocket and ran across the rooftop and jumped onto a fence, then to the ground.

The officer chased Litteral westbound on Singing Arrow and told him he was going to taze him. The officer drew his Taser and issued another command for Litteral to show his hands. Litteral turned to face the pursuing officer with his right hand in his pocket. Litteral turned away and continued to run, eventually approaching a stationary SUV. Litteral reached for the handle to the driver side door, attempting to open the door. The officer later told investigators that he thought Litteral was attempting to carjack the SUV and the officer deployed his Taser. The Taser appeared to have no effect on Litteral.

The officer said he saw Litteral pull out a black firearm and point it in the officer’s direction. The officer drew his firearm and pointed it at Litteral who retreated behind the car, then returned to the driver side. The officer said he saw Litteral’s left hand on the driver’s door handle and his right hand in his pocket with what he perceived as the handgun in the pocket and pointed toward the officer.

The officer fired his handgun, striking Litteral two times. Officers attempted first aid, but Litteral died at the scene as a result of his wounds.

The driver of the SUV told investigators that Litteral attempted to enter his car, but the doors were locked. He said he saw the officer give commands to Litteral prior to the shooting. The driver was not injured.

A witness who was across the street later told investigators he saw Litteral pull the handgun from his pocket prior to the officer shooting him.

Officers attempted medical aid, but the man died as a result of his wounds.

The second suspect who was with Litteral at the robbery was later located and arrested. Jeffrey Morales, 45, was charged with aggravated burglary, conspiracy to commit a second degree felony, unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon, resisting, evading, or obstructing an officer, and aggravated fleeing an officer. He was released from jail two days after the robbery.

Investigation

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’s 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:                             James Litteral,40   

INVOLVED OFFICERS:     Officer Brad Hess, who has been with the department since 2021, has not been involved in any prior officer-involved shootings.