APD Shares Photo of Bullet Lodged in Radio of Officer Who Survived Shootout, Suspect Dies at Hospital

ALBUQUERQUE –

In an e-mail, APD sent over an amazing photo of a bullet lodged into the department issued police radio belonging to an Albuquerque Police Officer who was shot yesterday on December 21st, 2025. The police radio appeared to have been mounted on the officers vest carrier on his chest. The radio and the 5.11 holder, it was inside of will most likely be studied for months by engineers about its life saving circumstances.

The suspect who exchanged gunfire with an APD officer died overnight as a result of his gunshot wounds.

Luis Arreola-Palma, 32, shot the officer at nearly point blank range as the officer was attempting to arrest him following a foot pursuit on Sunday in the area of Coors Blvd, and Illiff Rd., N.W. The bullet struck the officer’s police radio and he was not seriously injured. A second officer fired back at Arreola-Palma, striking him several times. Arreola-Palma was transported to a local hospital where he later died as a result of his injuries.

Arreola-Palma had been identified on APD’s Top 25 Auto Theft Offender list for December and had two outstanding warrants. He was known to frequent the area of Coors Blvd. and Iliff Rd.

An online record search shows, Arreola-Palman was sentenced in federal court to 48 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in 2017.

Over the next several months, APD says they 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.