Albuquerque, N.M. – The Albuquerque Police Department has disclosed details regarding a recent police shooting incident near Tramway, situated east of the I-25 frontage road and south of Sandia Casino. On April 30, 2024, officers engaged Nicholas Roach, 35, a known auto theft offender with outstanding warrants.

Surveillance and Engagement

APD detectives, monitoring Roach, traced him to Sandia Casino where they initiated surveillance. Video footage captures police employing a grappler on Roach’s vehicle. During the encounter, two women exited the car and were promptly apprehended. Roach, however, remained inside, reportedly threatening officers, stating his intent to provoke them into shooting him. The women corroborated Roach’s search for a handgun within the vehicle.

Exchange of Gunfire

Amidst reports of gunfire and visible muzzle flashes originating from Roach’s vehicle, officers responded with gunfire of their own. Roach sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was subsequently transported to a local hospital. Remarkably, no officers sustained injuries during the incident. A subsequent search of Roach’s vehicle, authorized by a warrant, yielded a stolen handgun, burglary tools, and methamphetamine.

Legal Proceedings

Following treatment for his injuries, Roach was discharged from the hospital and subsequently booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center. The recovered firearm’s status as stolen underscores ongoing concerns regarding illicit firearms within the community.

Conclusion

The incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in handling volatile situations involving armed suspects. For more local news updates, download The Local News App today.

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