ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) — The Albuquerque Police Department is releasing new details about an officer-involved shooting on the west side earlier in July. According to APD, an officer critically injured Jerry Baldonado, 21, after he pointed “what appeared to be a firearm” at police.
Police involved in shooting in southwest Albuquerque
Officers were called to the scene by Baldonado at about 12:20 p.m. on July 4 at a home in the 2100 block of South Branch Drive SW. He requested that officers help with a family dispute. APD says Baldonado had a difficult time communicating with the person who took the 911 call. “He said his brother was yelling at him and at one point said his brother had a gun the previous day,” APD confirmed in a news release sent out on Tuesday. “He did not answer additional questions.”
Upon arriving at the scene at 12:35 p.m., Officer Dominic Sanchez went up to the front door and announced two times that he was with APD. According to APD, Baldonado abruptly opened the door with his left hand and “what appeared to be a handgun in his right hand toward Officer Sanchez.”
Officer Sanchez stepped back, then took cover behind a stucco pillar while yelling at Baldonado to put the gun down. As Baldonado pointed the “apparent handgun” at Officer Sanchez, the officer drew his handgun while ducking on either side of the pillar.” Baldonado switched his gun to his left hand, extended it out toward Officer Sanchez. Officer Sanchez told him a final time to put the gun down or he would get shot,” APD stated. “As Officer Sanchez moved to the left of the pillar, Baldonado had the gun pointed directly at the officer.” Officer Sanchez then fired three shots, striking Baldonado, who fell to the ground.
Aid was rendered to Baldonado before he was taken to a local hospital, where he was treated for his wounds. He is still recovering. Investigators have located an airsoft BB gun that was “designed to replicate large handgun.”…