LAS CRUCES – New Mexico State Police are investigating a fatal shooting involving four Alamogordo police officers after a man reportedly emerged from his home carrying a rifle Wednesday.
Authorities identified the man as Keith Charles Cowgill, 50, of Alamogordo.
According to State Police, officers responded around 11:42 a.m. August 26 to a 911 report of a suicidal man armed with a rifle at 1711 Alamo Avenue. Three family members left the home before officers arrived. Cowgill remained inside.
Officers established a perimeter and repeatedly attempted to contact him. Members of the Alamogordo Crisis Intervention Team tried several methods of communication to de-escalate the situation, including loudspeaker commands. Officers also approached the home to try to place a department cellphone on the porch but were unable to do so.
State Police said Cowgill later came through the front door armed with a rifle. Four officers fired their duty weapons, striking him. Officers provided medical aid, and Cowgill was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The release does not state whether Cowgill fired or pointed the rifle.
No officers or family members were injured.
State Police investigators are collecting evidence and conducting interviews to establish the sequence of events. Findings will be shared with the district attorney for review. State Police serve as factfinders and do not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified.
The officers’ names were not released. Questions about their duty status or administrative actions should be directed to the Alamogordo Police Department.
By John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications News – John@Bravomic.com
