Investigators identify armed man deputies shot, killed

The Doa Ana County Sheriff’s Office identified the man deputies say fired at them before he was shot and killed.

Michael Malone, 34, was considered armed and dangerous when deputies went to arrest him Wednesday at the Day’s End Motel on Valley Drive in Las Cruces.

Malone was wanted on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, and battery against a household member. Malone had been under investigation in an ongoing domestic violence investigation led by the sheriff’s office.

Malone tried to escape through a window when he was confronted by deputies. A DACSO spokeswoman told ABC-7 Malone shot a deputies before they shot and killed him.

Deputies and detectives on scene administered first aid to Malone until fire and ambulance personnel arrived, but he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

The detective who was involved — a member of the sheriff’s Special Response Team — was placed on paid administrative leave.

A multi-agency investigation is underway.