Johnny Ray Morales dies in fatal Las Cruces, New Mexico officer-involved shooting

Johnny Ray Morales dies in fatal Las Cruces, New Mexico officer-involved shooting

Fatal Las Cruces, New Mexico officer-involved shooting death of Johnny Ray Morales – Obituary

Johnny Ray Morales, 28, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, was killed Sunday morning during an officer-involved shooting on South Valley Drive. The incident began around 7:30 a.m. when an off-duty officer, working at the Walmart on S. Valley Drive, was flagged down regarding a reported bicycle theft.

The officer located Morales and attempted to detain him. Morales fired at least one round at the officer, who returned fire. Morales fled on foot, prompting additional officers to respond and establish a perimeter. Further exchanges of gunfire occurred before Morales was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation involves the Officer-Involved Incident Task Force, which includes the New Mexico State Police, Las Cruces Police Department, Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, and New Mexico State University Police.