Carlsbad, NM - On August 29, 2019, the New Mexico State Police Investigation Bureau was contacted to investigate a police shooting involving the Carlsbad Police Department (CPD).

On August 29, 2019 at about 10:05 a.m., CPD Detectives were investigating a homicide and were looking for Randall Gamboa Jr. (16) of Carlsbad, NM. CPD Detectives went to the Woodside Village Apartment Complex located at 601 N. 5th in Carlsbad to locate Gamboa but did not make contact with him. As detectives conducted surveillance at the apartment complex, they saw Gamboa walking toward the apartment complex. When CPD detectives made contact with Gamboa, Gamboa brandish a black semi auto pistol and fired at detectives. A CPD detective discharged his department issued weapon towards Gamboa, striking him.

Immediately after the shooting, CPD rendered aid to Gamboa before he was transported to the Carlsbad Medical Center by emergency personnel where he succumbed to his injuries. Gamboa was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The semi auto pistol Gamboa brandished is believed to be the same handgun used in the homicide CPD detectives were investigating.

This information is preliminary, and the investigation is still active and ongoing. The name of the detective will not be released at this time. For information regarding administrative actions on the detective and the homicide investigation, contact the Carlsbad Police Department. When more information is available State Police will send out an additional press release.