Man killed in officer-involved shooting had mental illness, family says

The family of a Las Cruces man killed in an officer-involved shooting say he suffered from mental illness and had a psychotic episode on Friday night.

“The family had hoped the police would help them get James under control and transported to the hospital to get the help that he needed,” said Gavin Clarkson, a spokesman for the family.

According to the Las Cruces Police Department, officers responded to a disturbance on Arlington Avenue near Camino Del Rex on Friday night after 10:30 p.m. One of the officers was injured by the 29-year-old man and a second officer shot and killed him.

Family members say the man who died was their son, James Bishop.

“Clearly, nobody wanted this outcome,” Clarkson said.

In a prepared statement ready by Clarkson, the family said they want the department to evaluate their policies.

“As the investigation proceeds, the family hopes it will include an examination of the adequacy of police training for those who are responding to mental health situations,” Clarkson said.

The officer who fired the fatal shot is on paid administrative leave, which is standard policy, according to the department. A police spokesman said they would have an update on the investigation later in the week.