Man arrested in officer-involved shooting, no gun recovered

RIO RANCHO — A man is in custody following a domestic violence incident that escalated into an officer-involved shooting Jan. 11, according to the Rio Rancho Police Department.

RRPD confirmed Jan. 14 that Audelio Lopez, of Espanola was arrested Jan. 11 for striking a woman and pulling her hair on the 7000 block of Albany Hills Drive.

RRPD Capt. Jacquelynn Reedy said Lopez is expected to survive the gunshot he received from the officer.

“Officers arrived to the home, and learned the suspect had fled the scene on foot and had an active felony warrant out for his arrest,” a release from RRPD stated.

When officers arrived, Lopez shouted that he had a gun, and the responding officer took cover behind his patrol vehicle.

“Witness accounts indicate Audelio was intentionally hiding himself behind a large bush, taking a stance consistent with shooting a gun, and pointing what appeared to be a gun in the direction of the officer. As a result, the officer fired one shot, striking Audelio in the chest. Assisting officers arrived on scene, safely approached the suspect, and began rendering medical care to Audelio,” said RRPD.

RRPD said, at this time, it appears the suspect was mimicking possessing a weapon and a firearm was not found at the scene.

“Audelio is currently receiving medical care at an area hospital, but is expected to survive. Upon his release, he will be booked into SCDC for the warrant and new charges stemming from this incident,” update said. Court records show Lopez was also wanted for motor vehicle embezzlement in Santa Fe.

The officer is on standard paid administrative leave at this time and the name will not be released until after he has been formally interviewed as part of the investigation.

“The shooting was captured on video by a witness; however the officer’s body-worn camera did not activate during the event and will be researched as part of the investigation,” RRPD said.