GRANTS, N.M. — New Mexico State Police say the investigation remains active after an officer’s patrol vehicle was struck by gunfire during a traffic stop near the intersection of Third Street and Santa Fe Avenue on Dec. 8.
In an email update provided to the Cibola Citizen on Dec. 15, DPS spokesperson Amanda Richards said the incident occurred at about 10:43 p.m. while an NMSP officer in District 6 was conducting a traffic stop. Richards said the officer was shot at, causing damage to the patrol vehicle, but the officer was not injured. Police do not believe the shots came from the driver of the vehicle stopped for a traffic infraction, Richards said.
The case is being investigated by the NMSP Investigations Bureau, and the suspect remains at large, according to Richards.
When asked whether there are any confirmed active threats against the public or other officers in Grants, Richards said she was unsure about any recent threats involving Grants Police Department officers and advised the Citizen to seek comment from Grants PD.
Residents also reported seeing Third Street and Santa Fe Avenue partially restricted again on Friday afternoon. As of press time, it was not confirmed whether that activity was related to the Dec. 8 shooting investigation.