Officer and deputy reportedly engaged in gunfight with an suspect wielding an automatic firearm, leaving both law enforcement officials injured.
In the early hours of Wednesday night, a dramatic standoff unfolded in the city of Roswell, New Mexico. The incident began when authorities responded to a home in the 600 block of East Sixth, where a man was reportedly threatening suicide.
The man, identified as Dakota Perkins, was in possession of multiple firearms, including an automatic rifle, and explosives. As officers attempted to make contact, Perkins opened fire, injuring Officer Conner Watkins and Deputy Lorenzo Salas. Both were hospitalised with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.
The gunfire was so intense that authorities had to draw fire away from others who were pinned down. More than 100 rounds were fired during the incident. Perkins was drinking on the night of the incident.
Despite the danger, Perkins was eventually persuaded to surrender. Negotiators managed to get him to put down the weapons and remove body armour he was wearing, which included a bulletproof vest. Perkins was shot in the hand during the confrontation but surrendered peacefully.
Perkins was previously arrested in 2018 for allegedly grabbing a Roswell officer's handgun during a traffic stop. He was charged with two counts each of attempted murder, aggravated battery, assault upon a peace officer, and child abuse. His girlfriend told State Police that he had suicidal ideations on two separate occasions.
Besides the Roswell Police and Chaves County Sheriff officers, no other authorities were present during the action against Dakota Perkins. The incident is currently under investigation, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
