Las Cruces man wanted in gun thefts shot along I-25 at Truth or Consequences after police chase

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, New Mexico — New Mexico State Police shot and wounded a Las Cruces man wanted for stealing dozens of guns after a chase along Interstate 25 near Truth or Consequences Wednesday morning.

According to the U.S. Border Patrol, authorities began the pursuit when a car carrying the wanted felon sped away from the highway immigration checkpoint north of Las Cruces.

That chase ended about 2 a.m. near T or C when state police said an officer shot the man, identified as 25-year-old Armado Almaraz Jr. He was taken to an El Paso hospital where he was listed in stable condition with multiple gunshot wounds.

Authorities indicated the officer who shot Alvarez was not injured; the officer's identity was not released.

Officials continued investigating at the shooting scene along I-25 throughout the day and later offered a statement explaining how the chase came to end in gunfire.

"During the pursuit a New Mexico State Police officer utilized a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver in an attempt to bring the suspect’s vehicle to a safe stop on Interstate 25 near milepost 72.   Following the PIT maneuver, the suspect’s vehicle crashed into the State Police officer’s vehicle.  After coming to a stop, the State Police officer exited his police vehicle and was standing next to the vehicle.  The suspect then began driving forward again, this time driving towards the officer.  At that point the New Mexico State Police officer fired his department issued firearm towards the suspect’s vehicle... (and) the suspect’s vehicle came to a stop."

Authorities said Almaraz has a prior felony conviction and was wanted for a break-in at the Miller Guns and Ammo shop in Las Cruces, where he allegedly stole 27 firearms; police said numerous weapons were found in his car at the shooting scene.