Elderly man shot, killed by Las Cruces police is identified

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico — Las Cruces police have released the identity of an 81-year-old man who was fatally shot after they said he fired multiple rounds at officers and struck a police vehicle.

Authorities on Wednesday afternoon identified the man as Michael Seltzer of 926 N. Tornillo Street.

The Monday afternoon deadly shooting of Seltzer is under investigation. The three Las Cruces Police Department officers who discharged their weapons were placed on standard administrative leave.

Police said they responded to a report about an elderly man who had suicidal thoughts. The man fired a gun from inside his home and ignored commands to put it down. He eventually came out of the house, still armed, police said.

Three officers fired their weapons, killing Seltzer. No officers were injured.

A task force made up of local, county and state law enforcement is investigating. It will send its findings to prosecutors for review.

Nearby residents, including the neighbor who called police, told ABC-7 on Tuesday that they couldn't believe what they had witnessed the day prior.