The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is investigating a shooting involving the Socorro County Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24, a Socorro County Sheriff’s Office supervisor attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Interstate 25 near Bernardo, NM, on a white Ford Mustang for erratic driving and for not displaying a license plate. The SCSO supervisor initiated a pursuit after the driver of the Mustang refused to pull over and continue to travel north on Interstate 25.

During the pursuit, another SCSO deputy assisted with deploying tire deflation devices. The driver of the Mustang, later identified as Rodolfo Carmona, 36, drove over the tire deflation devices. Rodolfo continued to flee east on U.S. Highway 60 before coming to a stop on the roadway. At some point after the Mustang stopped, the SCSO supervisor discharged his department-issued firearm toward the Mustang. The Mustang sped off and fled east again on U.S. Highway 60. As the pursuit continued, the SCSO supervisor utilized a pursuit intervention technique (PIT) maneuver to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. After the PIT maneuver was utilized, another SCSO deputy arrived on scene to assist. SCSO removed Carmona from the vehicle and took him into custody. Two other female passengers who were inside the Mustang were taken into custody without incident by SCSO. The females were identified as Katrina Gobber, 35, and Katrina Remillard, 29.

The driver, Rodolfo, and the two passengers inside the Mustang were not struck by gunfire.

No deputies were injured during the incident.

The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau agents work to independently determine the series of events that led up to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings are shared with the district attorney for their review and consideration.

The New Mexico State Police acts solely as factfinders in its cases and does not determine whether the actions of an officer were justified. That decision rests with the district attorney’s office.

El Defensor Chieftain