Law enforcement in New Mexico discloses account of gunfight with casino lot suspect
A fugitive discharged two bullets at law enforcement officials at a parking lot outside Sandia Resort & Casino, as per updates from officials in New Mexico.
The suspect, Nicolas Roach, 35, sustained severe injuries to his back, jaw, and right arm during the standoff on April 30, as reported by Albuquerque TV station KOAT.
His injuries were life-threatening. He was hospitalized for a week and then taken into custody at a local detention center.
None of the four officers from the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) were injured, according to the initial report.
Prior to the gunfight, officers had been tracking Roach for days. Moments before the encounter, they noticed a questionable vehicle and checked its license plate, which had been reported stolen.
A recently-released APD video showed that he was driving a Hyundai south of the casino. Roach fled when he saw the officers and eventually drove onto the casino parking lot, as stated by authorities.
He abandoned the Hyundai and entered a GMC vehicle. He refused to surrender and attempted to leave. However, officers successfully deployed a grappling hook onto the vehicle’s tire, causing it to stop.
This was followed by an exchange of fire.
"We were aware he had warrants, and we knew the area he was active in. For several days, detectives working on specific operation plans and different shifts had been trying to locate him," APD Commander Kyle Hartsock told KOAT about the arrest.
Roach was wanted for violating probation and was known as a car thief, according to police.
Inside the SUV, officers discovered two women. They exited the vehicle and surrendered in the parking lot. Amanda Hand, 34, was charged with auto theft, as per the Albuquerque Journal. The second woman taken into custody by the police was not identified.
Police found the 45-caliber handgun used in the shootout and learned it was stolen, according to New Mexico TV station KRQE. Officers also discovered suspected methamphetamine (meth) and tools known for auto theft in the SUV.
Roach will be charged and brought before a local court for trial. If convicted, he could spend numerous years in prison. He previously served time in prison, as noted by the Journal.
The Pueblo of Sandia own and manage the tribal gaming property, which is situated in Albuquerque.
Stricter Punishments Required
In response to the incident, APD Chief Harold Medina expressed his desire for the state to implement stronger penalties for auto theft.
"We need the assistance of legislative bodies to ensure that individuals who steal vehicles to use them for committing other crimes are held accountable to a higher degree," Medina told KOAT.
