Suspect Critically Injured After Police Shooting Near New Mexico Casino

Posted on: May 2, 2024, 09:45h. 

Last updated on: May 2, 2024, 10:10h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More
Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

A man is in critical condition in a New Mexico hospital after he was wounded this week during an exchange of gunfire with local police near Sandia Resort & Casino.

Sandia Resort & Casino
The Sandia Resort & Casino, pictured above. A man who was driving in the New Mexico casino’s lot was wounded during an exchange of gunfire with police. (Image: TripAdvisor)

The suspect, Nicolas Roach, 35, was spotted by Albuquerque, NM, officers in the casino’s parking lot on Tuesday night, according to New Mexico TV station KOAT.

There was a warrant out for his arrest, so officers attempted to stop his car by using a device called a grappler, which immobilizes a vehicle after being hooked onto a bumper.

But Roach continued to elude officers and dragged a police car some 30 feet, even with the device attached. He then pulled out a gun and allegedly fired shots at the officers.

Fearing for their safety, four police officers returned gunfire, wounding Roach, who was rushed to a local hospital.

Suspect Hospitalized

As of Wednesday, Roach was listed in critical condition at the hospital. No details were provided on his injuries.

Roach, who has prior charges for alleged probation violations, will be booked at a local jail upon his release from the hospital.

When police searched the stolen car Roach had been driving, they found a handgun and bullet casings.

Upon doing a background check on Roach, police found he was previously arrested for auto theft, shoplifting, and drug violations, according to the Albuquerque Journal. In February 2022, Roach was sentenced to nine years in prison. Six years of that sentence were suspended and he was released from prison last year.

Recently, Roach is reputed to be using methamphetamine (meth), the Journal reported.

Two women in the vehicle with Roach on Tuesday night jumped out as officers tried to the car. Amanda Hand, 34, was charged with auto theft, according to the Journal. The second woman apprehended by police wasn’t identified.

No Injured Officers

No officers were injured during Tuesday’s police-involved shooting, according to Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina.

Initially, police tried to subdue Roach by firing less-lethal ammunition at him. Later, they used bullets.

The officers who fired their guns at Roach were placed on paid administrative leave until authorities review the incident, as prescribed by the department’s standard procedures. The review will disclose if the use of deadly force was justified by the officers given the circumstances.