On July 26, 2016, the New Mexico State Police was contacted to investigate an officer involved shooting incident which occurred in Artesia, NM. The incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. when Artesia Police Department officers were dispatched to W. Runyan Street in Artesia for a 911 “shots fired” call.
As Artesia Police Department officers arrived on scene they encountered a male subject, Juan Reynaldo Duran, 36 from Artesia, who was armed with two firearms. During this encounter, Mr. Duran pointed a firearm at Artesia Police officers several times. Artesia Police officers gave multiple commands for Mr. Duran to drop his weapon but he did not comply. As a result of ignoring the officers’ commands, shots were fired at Mr. Duran by one officer. Mr. Duran was struck by gunfire and pronounced deceased on scene.
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau has completed the interviews with the involved officers. The officer who fired her duty weapon is identified as Officer Beth Hahn, employed by the Artesia Police Department for two and a half years.
This incident remains under investigation and any further details will be released upon completion of this investigation.
(News release from the New Mexico State Police)
