On Dec. 8, 2021, at approximately 8:37 a.m., the Rio Rancho Police Department responded to the 5700 block of Sandoval Drive in the city of Rio Rancho.

Rio Rancho Police Department

The officers and Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue paramedics were sent to the address in response to a shooting incident involving a 2-year-old boy. Upon the arrival of our officers and the paramedics, they located the child with a gunshot wound. Unfortunately, the wound proved to be fatal.

Rio Rancho Police Department detectives responded and began their investigation into the incident.
The location of the incident is the residence of a Santa Fe Police Department officer and his family. The deceased child in this incident was his son.

Evidence was collected, to include a firearm, and interviews were conducted with the occupants of the residence. There is no indication that the officer’s duty weapon was involved.

The Santa Fe Police Department was notified of the incident.

This is a tragic event for not only the family involved, but also the first responders on scene. The Rio Rancho Police Department is committed to completing a thorough and accurate investigation into the incident.

At present, it is considered an ongoing investigation, and therefore no determination regarding criminal violations or other disposition has been made. This incident is of great interest to the members of our communities.

We are asking for patience from the public as our detectives continue to investigate the incident. As the investigation progresses, additional information may be available for release.