Investigation reveals New Mexico State Police officer shot man first in standoff

Authorities have identified the officer who fatally shot a man during a standoff with the New Mexico State Police Tactical Team.

The officer who fired the fatal shot has been identified as New Mexico State Police Officer Michael Williams, a 12-year veteran of the department assigned to the Special Operations Bureau-Tactical Team.

Officer Williams was assigned to provide perimeter security while fellow tactical officers approached Smith’s vehicle.

Before the standoff, officers tried to stop William Smith on Interstate 10 and that led to the standoff that lasted several hours.

Officer Williams reported seeing Smith point a firearm in the direction of the other officers. He fired a single shot and Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.

New Mexico State Police say that Smith’s family members told them Smith had been contemplating suicide or suicide by police officer within the past year.

Information obtained from family members also indicates Smith may have been suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Smith is a United States military veteran.

This incident is still being investigated by the Officer Involved Incident Task Force which is comprised of officers from the New Mexico State Police, Las Cruces Police Department, Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Department, the New Mexico State University Police Department and representation from the 3 rd Judicial District Attorney’s office.