Albuquerque, NM - On January 21, 2020, at about 10:00 a.m., a New Mexico State Police Officer conducted a welfare check on a vehicle on Interstate 25 northbound near mile marker 231 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

The New Mexico State Police Officer who was assigned to the traffic safety operation in Albuquerque, conducted a welfare check on a blue Jeep Cherokee that was parked on the shoulder of Interstate 25 northbound near mile marker 231. As the officer checked on the Jeep Cherokee, he was confronted by a male individual who was walking towards the officer. The male individual was holding a gun in his hand. At some point during the encounter, the officer fired his duty sidearm at least once striking the male individual. Emergency aid was rendered to the male individual on scene. He was transported by emergency personnel to the University of New Mexico Hospital where he is being treated for his injuries. 

The suspect who was identified as Roman J. Craig (26) of Albuquerque, NM was charged with:

• Aggravated Assault upon a Peace Officer (Deadly Weapon) 3rd Degree Felony

Craig remains at the University of New Mexico Hospital. He will be booked into the Bernalillo County Metro Detention Center upon his release.

New Mexico State Police is asking anyone who witnessed the incident on Interstate 25 to call (505) 841-9256 option 0.

This investigation remains active and open by the Multi-Agency Task Force which is being led by the New Mexico State Police. The details of the shooting remain under investigation. The name of the officer involved will not be released until all interviews are completed. The officer has been placed on standard leave. Upon completion of the State Police investigation this case will be forwarded to an assigned district attorney’s office for review. When more information is available it will be released.