By: ABQRAW staff
Posted: 4/29/2022 9:15PM
Updated: 4/30/2022 6:30PM (press conference video link added)
NMSP Chief T. Johnson gives us an update on the shooting incident
On Friday evening, an off duty New Mexico State Police officer shot a person at Cabela’s in Albuquerque. Cabela’s is a popular hunting and outdoor supply store.
According to a tweet by NMSP, Officer is okay and suspect is injured. No customers were injured. Scene is very active. More information will be released via NMSP press release when available.
The suspect was listed in critical condition after being taken to UNMH.
New Mexico State Police Chief Tim Johnson gave the media an update on tonights shooting incident and what lead up to it. See video link above.
The New Mexico State Police released more information about the off duty officer who shot a shoplifting suspect incident. The offender brandished a 9MM towards employees and guests at Cabela’s. The suspect who was wounded has now been identified as Gabriel Velasquez (18) of Albuquerque. Velasquez attempted to shoplift several boxes of 9-millimeter ammunition. The store manager attempted to stop Velasquez and confronted him. As the store manager escorted Velasquez out of the store, Velasquez brandished a firearm from his waistband and pointed the firearm toward the manager and several employees. An off-duty New Mexico State Police officer, who was in the store, observed the altercation and asked the store manager if Velasquez had pointed the firearm toward any civilians. The manager told the off-duty officer yes.
The off-duty officer who was also armed with a firearm followed Velasquez out of the store. Velasquez was walking to a silver Infinity that was parked in a handicap parking stall in front of the store. The off-duty officer identified himself as a police officer and told the suspect to drop the firearm and get on the ground. The firearm in Velasquez’s possession had an extended magazine. Velasquez pointed the firearm in the direction of the off-duty officer and he fired towards the officer. The off-duty officer returned fire striking Velasquez wounding him critically. According to the criminal complaint, the silver Infinity driver was identified as 18-year-old Joseph Montoya. Montoya fled the scene leaving his friend behind bleeding out and wounded. Law Enforcement were able to find the vehicle and tried to do a traffic stop but the vehicle fled. A further investigation led to a home in Los Lunas. Montoya said Velasquez was planning to steal ammo from Cabela’s in order to pay for car repairs.
Joseph Montoya the driver from attempted robbery.
When agents asked Montoya why he didn’t stop, he said he didn’t do anything wrong and didn’t want his vehicle struck by gunfire. Montoya is charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery and resisting, evading, or obstructing an officer. Charges on Velasquez are pending as he is still in critical condition at UNMH.