APD releases details of recent officer-involved shooting
APD Releases Details of Recent Officer-Involved Shooting
April 14, 2022
ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque Police Department released details today of a recent officer-involved shooting.
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT
Date of Incident: March 19, 2022
Location: 13400 Wenonah Ave SE
Officers in the Foothills Area Command were dispatched on March 19, 2022, to the area of the Smokeshop Palace, at 13400 Wenonah Ave S.E., in response to a call from a man who said his co-worker had choked and kicked him, and was threatening to shoot him and then commit suicide.
Another 911 call was placed by the man identified by the first caller as his co-worker. This caller, later identified as Collin Neztsosie, said he had a black 9 mm handgun, and that he intended to shoot passersby, responding officers and then himself
Five more people called 911 stating Neztsosie was standing in the street with a handgun and pointing it at drivers. Arriving officers told police dispatchers to issue a Shelter in Place to surrounding businesses.
As officers developed a plan to approach Neztsosie, they received information about his past history of attempted suicide by police and that he had challenged officers in the past with weapons. Officers developed a plan to contact Neztsosie by phone to attempt to use de-escalation techniques.
Around 6:04 p.m., the drivers of a vehicle told officers a man pointed a gun at him. Another driver told officers the man was standing in traffic pointing a gun at people.
A team of officers used a Chevrolet Tahoe as mobile concealment and (limited) cover as they approached Neztsosie on Tramway Blvd. Officers gave commands to Neztsosie to drop whatever was in his hands and follow their instructions. He refused their commands and pointed the black object at officers repeatedly. Two officers discharged their rifles, striking and killing Neztsosie.
Decedent: Collin Neztsosie (10/29/1988)
Involved Officers:
- William Young, who has been with the department since 2001, has not been involved in a prior officer-involved shooting.
- Jonathan Mares, who has been with the department since 2009, has not been involved in a prior officer-involved shooting.
Over the next several months, APD will continue to investigate and analyze this incident. Detectives will continue interviewing any new witnesses that come forward and complete any forensic tests. After the investigation is complete, APD’s Force Review Board will forward the findings to the Superintendent of Police Reform to determine if this incident met the high standards of the Albuquerque Police Department. The Multi-Agency Task Force will forward its case to the District Attorney’s Office to make any determination of criminal charges.
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