Roswell, NM- On April 15, 2021, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was contacted to investigate a police shooting involving the Roswell Police Department (RPD) and the Chaves County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
At approximately 11:26 p.m., a sergeant with CCSO attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a white Ford pick-up truck on Matthews Street and South Main Street in Roswell, New Mexico. The vehicle fled and a pursuit was initiated.
The driver, later identified as Victor Ivan Barron (22) of Roswell, traveled west on Matthews Street to Pennsylvania. During the pursuit, CCSO requested the assistance of RPD. RPD deployed tire deflation devices at Union Avenue and Country Club Road. Barron continued to travel east on Main Street. As the vehicle was traveling south on Main Street, a second set of tire deflation devices were deployed on Main Street just north of 19th Street. Barron avoided the tire deflation devices and drove into the parking lot of the JP Stone Community Bank. Barron exited the vehicle and a short foot pursuit ensued. As Barron was running north on the east side of the bank, he brandished a firearm and two RPD officers and a CCSO deputy fired at least one round from their department issued firearms striking Barron.
Emergency aid was rendered to Barron on scene. He was transported to Eastern New Mexico Medical Center in Roswell, where he later died from his injuries.
This investigation remains active and open and is being led by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau. The details of the shooting remain under investigation. No officers or deputies were injured during the incident. The identification of the officer and the deputy involved will not be released until all interviews are completed. Please reach out to Roswell Police Department and Chaves County Sheriff’s Office for administrative inquiries regarding their officers and deputies. 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.
Information from NM State Police