Roswell, New Mexico – Detectives from the Roswell Police Department were involved in a fatal shooting last week while attempting to arrest a man on a murder warrant. The incident took place on South Sunset Avenue, just north of West McGaffey Street in Roswell.
Authorities had been searching for Javier Harvey Salinas Jr., 27, who was wanted for murder and other charges in connection with the shooting death of 21-year-old Nicolas Elijah Montoya on March 29 in Roswell. Upon spotting Salinas driving a vehicle on South Sunset Avenue near West Poe Street, detectives attempted to detain him.
During the encounter, Salinas reportedly accelerated to nearly 100 mph before crashing into a yard outside of apartments on South Sunset. Upon exiting the vehicle, Salinas began shooting at the detectives, prompting them to return fire. Salinas was struck by the detectives’ gunfire as he attempted to flee on foot, ultimately succumbing to his injuries between two buildings nearby.
Fortunately, no one aside from Salinas was harmed during the altercation. Following the incident, the Roswell Police Department confirmed that the New Mexico State Police would be leading the investigation into the shooting. Detectives present at the scene of the shooting were subsequently placed on administrative leave.
NMSP spokesman Ray Wilson indicated that a press release with updates on the case would be forthcoming. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face in the line of duty, highlighting the complexities of apprehending individuals wanted for serious offenses. The community awaits further details as the investigation unfolds.