New Mexico PD facing investigation for officer-involved shooting at the wrong house

07 April 2023

The New Mexico State Police is currently investigating a deadly shooting involving police officers who were dispatched to the wrong house, officials say.

According to The New York Times, officers with the Farmington Police Department were dispatched for a domestic violence house call.

Per the news outlet: "Police officers fatally shot Robert Dotson, 52, after they 'mistakenly approached' his home around 11:30 p.m. and he opened his screen door armed with a handgun, the New Mexico State Police said in a statement on Thursday."

During a video statement released on Thursday, April 6, Farmington Police Department Chief, Steve Hebbe issued a statement of apology for the shooting as he extended his condolences to the family for their devastating loss.

"I extend nothing but my deepest condolences to the Dotson family," he said. "There's nothing I can say that will make this better."

Hebbe added, "the police department would release body camera footage from the shooting in the next week" and that "after Mr. Dotson opened his front door, 'a chaotic scene' followed, 'with officers retreating and opening fire.'"

The police department also noted, "The New Mexico State Police act solely as fact-finders in their cases and do not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the district attorney's office."

A spokesperson for the department has confirmed that the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.

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