Chaves County, NM – On Sunday, June 27, 2021, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was contacted to investigate a police shooting involving the Chaves County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
Investigators learned that at approximately 5:00 p.m., CCSO responded to 910 North Washington in Roswell, NM for a domestic involving a firearm between a male and female in a vehicle. The male, who was identified as Oscar Najera (25) of Roswell, NM, drove away in the vehicle. CCSO located the unattended vehicle parked at a Stripes gas station in Roswell. While searching the area, a CCSO deputy located Najera behind a residence at 404 Evergreen Street. Najera fled on foot and a foot pursuit ensued. During the foot pursuit, the deputy discharged his department issued Taser, which was unsuccessful. Najera continued to flee from the deputy. As Najera ran towards the front of a residence at 504 Evergreen Avenue, he was met by two CCSO deputies who had arrived on scene. The deputies drew their department issued firearms and gave numerous verbal commands to Najera. While attempting to take Najera into custody the deputies fired at Najera at least once, striking him. Both deputies immediately rendered aid to Najera who sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
The identification of the deputies involved will not be released until interviews are completed. No deputies were injured during the incident. For information about the domestic and administrative actions of the deputies, please contact the Chaves County Sheriff’s Office. This investigation remains active and is being led by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau. Upon completion of the investigation, this case will be given to the district attorney’s office for review.
When more information is available, New Mexico State Police will send out an additional press release.
Information from NM State Police