An unidentified woman was found dead Tuesday morning in the 1200 block of Mirador Loop NE, according to the Rio Rancho Police Department. 

When law enforcement arrived, they found the victim with a “visible gunshot wound,” RRPD states.

The suspect had left the scene in a red sport-utility vehicle before being found off Sundt Road near Pearl Drive. The RRPD did not release any details on the suspect.

Schools in Rio Rancho ranging from Cleveland High School to The ASK Academy briefly implemented lockouts during the pursuit as a precaution, RRPD Lt. Jacquelynn Reedy said.  

About 10-15 Rio Rancho police and New Mexico State Police vehicles and two helicopters scoped the area looking for the suspect and the SUV before finding them.

“They don’t play around, so if something is going on, then something is happening,” said resident Monique Martinez, who saw several police vehicles drive down Pearl Drive in their pursuit of the suspect.

The incident remains under investigation.

“At this time, all persons connected to this event have been accounted for by law enforcement, and there is not a threat to the public relating to this event,” Reedy said.

Several local and state law enforcement vehicles park off Pearl Drive and Sundt Road on Tuesday afternoon.