The Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office has determined that Las Cruces police officer D’Anthony Roohr was justified when he fired three rounds at a 34-year-old man who pointed a handgun at him on Sept. 23.
District Attorney Mark D’Antonio cleared Roohr in a letter dated Nov. 6. The shooting occurred about 3:47 a.m. on Sept. 23, 2018, on the 1300 block of Lees Drive after police were dispatched to the report of a domestic incident in progress at Charles R. Campolla’s home. A 14-year-old girl told dispatchers that Campolla was intoxicated and armed with a loaded handgun.
As three LCPD officers approached the home, officer Roohr spotted Campolla armed with a handgun. Video from officers’ lapel cameras indicates they gave multiple commands for Campolla to drop the weapon and show his hands. The investigation indicates that Campolla pointed the gun at Roohr and tried to hide near the front, driver’s-side of a vehicle that was parked in the driveway. Roohr, who has been employed by LCPD for two years, fired three rounds that struck the rear of the vehicle. Campolla was not struck and no injuries were reported.
The Glock 9mm handgun Campolla had in his possession was located by investigators under the front, driver’s-side wheel well and resting on top of the tire. During an interview with investigators, Campolla acknowledged he was in possession of the gun as officers approached.
Campolla was initially charged with a third-degree felony count of aggravated assault upon a peace officer and tampering with evidence. Investigators learned that Compolla was forbidden from possessing a handgun at the time as he had an active order of protection filed against him. Campolla was later charged for violating the domestic violence order.
Roohr was placed on administrative leave shortly after the shooting occurred. He has since returned to duty.
The incident was investigated by the Officer-involved Incident Task Force which includes detectives from New Mexico State Police, Las Cruces Police, the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico State University Police. The findings from the investigation were turned over the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office for review.
Information from Las Cruces Police