New Mexico officers kill homeowner in exchange of gunfire while responding to wrong address

The New Mexico State Police have launched an investigation after officers shot and killed an armed homeowner by mistakenly responding to the wrong address.

Farmington Police Department said it received a call about a domestic violence incident around 11:30 pm Wednesday. Officers rushed to the scene but accidentally approached 5305 Valley View Avenue instead of 5308 Valley View Avenue.

According to the Farmington Police Department, officers knocked on the front door of the wrong house and announced themselves several times.

When there was no response, officers called the reporter back and asked for dispatch to come to the front door, according to New Mexico State Police.

New Mexico State Police said body camera footage showed 52-year-old homeowner Robert Dotson opening a screen door armed with a handgun as officers retreated. .

“This was followed by a chaotic scene of officers retreating and opening fire. Mr. Dotson was beaten and later died at the scene,” Chief Steve Hebbe said in a recorded statement.

Dotson was pronounced dead at the scene by the medical investigator’s office.

After the first shot, Dotson’s wife opened fire through the doorway of the residence, and officers opened fire. According to state police, when she realized the persons outside her home were police, she put down her gun and followed their orders.

State police said the wife was not injured but was not charged with a crime.

The officer involved in the shooting was not injured, state police said.

Hebbe said the body camera footage would be released after the officer issued a statement. They are expected to do so within a week.

The state police said it was up to the district attorney’s office to decide whether to charge officers.

“This is a very traumatic event and I am heartbroken by the circumstances surrounding this. Mr. Dotson was not the subject of the calls our officers were responding to and the outcome is unbelievable.” It’s so tragic,” Hebe said.

“We are very sorry to find ourselves in this position. More will be revealed as we proceed with this investigation over the next few days,” Hebbe said.