Valencia County Sheriff’s Office releases footage of fatal deputy-involved shooting

LOS LUNAS, N.M. (KRQE) – The Valencia County Sheriff’s Office has released video of a fatal shooting involving deputies in September that left one man dead.

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Late last month, the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office received calls about gunshots near La Ladera Road in Los Lunas. When deputies arrived at the scene, they talked to Micahel Gabaldon and his wife who saw their neighbor, Thomas Rodriguez, firing a rifle into the air. They accused Rodriguez of being a drug user and being dangerous.

Deputies were able to get in contact with Rodriguez’s mother and helped her file a petition to get the firearm removed from their home. They left to get the legal process started. Just hours later, a contraction broke out between the neighbors. Rodriguez’s mother called deputies pleading for help.

A gunfight ensued after Gabaldon said Rodriguez tried to run him over. Rodriguez retreated back into his home. Deputies ended up encountering Gabaldon who they said was armed and agitated. They asked him to disarm but things quickly got out of control.

Officer: “Neighbor has a gun.” (shots fired). “Hey, drop it. drop it. I’m going to shoot. Drop it. Drop it.” (Shots fired)

A deputy shot Gabaldon. They tried to render aid but Gabaldon died at the scene.

Deputies then surrounded Rodriguez’s home but it wasn’t until the next day that he surrendered. Rodriguez is facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. New Mexico State Police are still investigating the incident.

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