Man Killed by NMSP Officer Identified After Firing Stolen Gun During Struggle, COPS Film Crew Was with Officer

Albuquerque –

The New Mexico State Police has released an update on an officer-involved shooting that happened earlier Saturday near Cochiti and California. According to the NMSP, an officer fatally shot a man who fired a handgun during a physical struggle that followed a foot pursuit on October 3, 2026. They also confirmed a “COPS” TV show film crew was with the officer when the shooting happened.

The encounter began at about 12:11 PM when the officer saw two men jaywalking on Cochiti near the intersection of California. The NMSP officer exited his patrol car and told the men they were being detained. One of the men, later identified as Izaeah Elajah-Amar Washington, 26, began walking away. The officer ordered him to stop, but Washington refused and began running.

The officer pursued Washington on foot in an effort to detain him. When he caught up to Washington, a physical struggle ensued and they fell to the ground. During the altercation, Washington brandished a handgun and fired at least one round, missing the officer. In response, the officer discharged his department-issued-firearm at Washington, striking him at least once. The officer was not harmed during the shootout.

A neighbor told us they heard at least 6 gunshots being fired during the incident.

NMSP said emergency medical personnel arrived shortly afterward, provided aid and transported Washington to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The firearm in Washington’s possession was determined to be stolen.

We asked New Mexico State Police if the show “COPS” will provide all the footage shot during the incident to investigators and we were told they would. We reached out to “COPS” for comment on the incident and have not heard back.

This is the second time known that a COPS crew was on ride along when a police shooting occurred. In August 2014, COPS was filming in Nebraska when a robbery suspect was shot by the police. A police round struck a crew member and died from the wounds.

This case remains under investigation by the NMSP Investigations Bureau and the Multi-Agency Task Force which includes the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and the Albuquerque Police Department.

The identity of the NMSP officer will not be released until interviews are completed, according to NMSP. The officer has been placed on standard administrative leave while the investigation continues. NMSP said investigators will document the scene, collect evidence and interview officers and witnesses as part of the investigation.

WASHINGTON’S PREVIOUS RECORDS:

In February 16, 2023, Washington was arrested in New Mexico as an out-of-state fugitive on charges from Muskogee, Oklahoma. In 2022, Washington faced charges in Oklahoma for unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, misdemeanor DUI involving drugs and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance. Court records show the state filed applications to accelerate proceedings in each case.

On May 5, 2026, Washington was charged with Battery upon a Peace Officer, Assault Upon a Peace Officer – Attempted Battery, Criminal Damage to Property (Under $1000) and Resisting, Evading or Obstructing an Officer (Refusal to Stop). According to the criminal complaint, officers with the Albuquerque Police Department responded to an apartment complex in the 8200 block of Bridge Blvd SW after reports of a man yelling and chasing children with a belt. Officers said they found Izaeah Washington, who allegedly damaged a police vehicle’s taillight and later charged an officer, tackled him and punched him in the face. The complaint alleges one officer suffered a knee injury but declined medical treatment. Washington was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center on charges including battery and assault on a peace officer, criminal damage to property, and resisting, evading or obstructing an officer. The charges were dismissed on June 30, 2026 as the primary responding officer was unavailable for the preliminary hearing.

On June 6, 2026, officers from the Albuquerque Police department again responded to an apartment complex on Bridge Blvd SW for a reported fight, followed by a report of a gunshot. Officers responded to a dispute between roommates that preceded a single gunshot. Later, officers located a .22-caliber shell casing near the apartment. A witness told police she saw Izaeah Washington point a small firearm into the air and fire, while surveillance footage reportedly captured Washington leaving the camera’s view before a gunshot was heard. APD officers were unable to locate the firearm, and Washington was expected to be summoned on a weapons-related charge for Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon. This case was scheduled for a bench trial in November 2026.

On August 8, 2026, Albuquerque Police were dispatched to a disturbance at an apartment in the 8200 block of Bridge Blvd SW after a caller reported that Izaeah Washington pulled out a knife and tried to force his way into the caller’s home. The complaint says a woman told officers Washington pointed a sharp object at her, attempted to push past her and later stabbed the door before leaving. APD officers located Washington near the apartment and arrested him after finding a pocketknife and a screwdriver during searches. Washington was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated burglary with a deadly weapon. The charge of Aggravated Burglary (Deadly Weapon) was moving forward in District Court.