Torrance County, NM – On September 23, 2021, at around 9:00 a.m., the New Mexico State Police, was requested by the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) to investigate a shooting involving one of their deputies. No deputies were reported injured and the suspect, Christopher James Spangler, 28, of Albuquerque, NM was injured and taken into custody.
Through further investigation, NMSP Investigations Bureau agents learned that on September 22, 2021, the evening before the OIS, TCSO deputies responded to 178 Alan Ayers Road, Estancia, NM for a report of a stolen Chevrolet pickup. The victim reported that Spangler had stolen his truck. TCSO deputies entered the Chevrolet into the National Crime Information Center database as stolen.
The next morning, on September 23, 2021, at around 7:30 a.m., Spangler returned to the victim’s residence of 178 Alan Ayers Road in the stolen Chevrolet pickup. TCSO deputies were called to the residence. Spangler left the residence in the stolen Chevrolet pickup before deputies arrived.
At around 7:53 a.m., while en route to the residence, TCSO deputies encountered the stolen Chevrolet pickup on Alan Ayers Road. Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the stolen Chevrolet, but it did not stop, and a pursuit ensued.
During the pursuit, Spangler pointed a firearm at the deputies and fired at them. One of the gunshots fired by Spangler hit the windshield of a pursuing TCSO lieutenant. After about 10 minutes, Spangler stopped the Chevrolet near Arlene and Marc Drive, where he got out of the truck, and again fired a gun at deputies.
A TCSO Sergeant fired his duty weapon at Spangler, striking him at least once. Spangler fled the area on foot and evaded deputies. Deputies initially believed Spangler had barricaded himself in a trailer near the area. Deputies established a perimeter around the area.
A short time later TCSO deputies received information that Spangler had gotten into a Toyota Tundra, driven by a family member. A be on the lookout (BOLO) for the Toyota Tundra was announced over police radios.
A short time later, a Moriarty Police Department (MPD) officer spotted the Tundra near State Road 41 and Martinez Road entering the town of Moriarty. The MPD officer conducted a traffic stop on the Tundra. The driver of the Tundra pulled over and Spangler was taken into custody without further incident.
Spangler was transported to an area hospital for treatment of injuries not believed to be life-threatening. He was treated and released later that evening. Spangler was booked in the Torrance County Detention Center. He was charged with Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer (3 counts), Shooting From a Motor Vehicle, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
No deputies were physically injured during this incident. For the identity of the deputies involved, their duty status, and information on charges resulting from the stolen vehicle and fleeing from deputies please reach out to TCSO.
This incident remains under investigation by the NMSP Investigations Bureau, which works to independently determine the series of events that led up to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings are shared with the district attorney for their review and consideration.
The New Mexico State Police acts solely as factfinders in its cases and does not determine whether the actions of an officer were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the district attorney’s office.
Information from NMSP