APD releases details of officer-involved shooting in SE Albuquerque

Friday, June 5, 2023

ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque Police Department released details of an officer-involved shooting that took place on May 10, 2023, at 5401 Eastern Ave., S.E.

ShotSpotter Activation (7:36 p.m.)

Officers were dispatched to a ShotSpotter activation that indicated 6 gunshots fired at 7:36 p.m. on the east side of an empty lot at 5401 Eastern Ave., S.E., near Alvarado Dr. and Ross Ave. A resident in the area called 911 at 7:41 p.m. to report she heard about 5-6 shots fired rapidly.

ShotSpotter Activation (7:45 p.m.)

While officers were at the scene of the original report of shots fired, they heard additional shots fired north of their location. A second ShotSpotter activation was reported at 7:45 p.m., just two blocks to the north. The activation indicated three shots were fired at the northwest corner of Palomas Dr. and Kathryn Ave., S.E.

1001 Palomas Dr. SE

Officers drove to the location of the ShotSpotter activation at 1001 Palomas Dr., S.E., where they saw the suspected shooter, later identified as Kevin Trujillo, who was standing on the east side of the street. He was wearing all black clothing and started to walk northbound. An officer called out to the suspect, identifying himself as a police officer, but Trujillo refused to acknowledge him. As the officer crossed the street toward him, Trujillo started running, heading eastbound along the side of an apartment building. The officer told Trujillo to show him his hands. During an interview with investigators, the officer later said he noticed Trujillo slow down as he ran, turn and look at him, while he lowered his hand and produce what he perceived to be a firearm. The officer said he fired two shots at Trujillo, and believes he struck him.

After firing the two shots, the officer saw Trujillo turn the corner and disappear into the alley east of the apartment complex. The officer slowed down, looked around the corner of the building and said he saw Trujillo either on his knees or in a sitting position, pointing a gun in the officer’s direction. The officer said Trujillo fired four shots in rapid succession, and he heard the shots snap by his head. The officer said he believes he fired one shot in response. The officer said he stumbled backward to get away from the shots being fired and noticed his sergeant to his left. The sergeant then fired several rounds toward Trujillo. The sergeant shouted to the officer that Trujillo was running southbound through the alley.

As officers searched for Trujillo, additional officers started to arrive and set up a perimeter in the area.

SWAT Activation

After officers set up a perimeter in the neighborhood, they were contacted by Trujillo’s mother who said Trujillo had gone to her residence on Palomas Dr., S.E. She said her son had a gunshot wound and she thought he had two guns with him. She said Trujillo asked to go inside the home, but his mother denied him access. He left at that point.

SWAT and K-9 officers were activated at 8:48 p.m. After an hour-long search, officers located Trujillo shortly before 10 p.m. in the area of 1034 Palomas Dr., S.E. and took him into custody.

Subject: Kevin Trujillo, 33, was booked May 10 for his outstanding felony warrant for receiving or transferring a stolen motor vehicle. He was indicted on May 26 by a grand jury for Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer, Tampering with Evidence, Resisting Arrest, and Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon.

Involved Officers:

• Officer Alex Castellano, who has been with the department since 2019, has not been involved in a prior officer-involved shooting.
• Francisco Hernandez, who has been with the department since 2007, has been involved in one prior officer-involved shootings.

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