APD releases identity of man shot by police

ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque Police Department identified Pete Martinez as the man shot by an APD officer Saturday afternoon on the West Side.

APD officers and detectives were in the area Sunday as part of the “Sticky Fingers” retail crime operation. A loss prevention employee at the Kohl’s department store notified officers that a male and female were in the process of shoplifting more than $1,000 worth of merchandise. Officers contacted the two people as they attempted to leave the store with a basket full of merchandise through an emergency exit.

The female suspect, later identified as Monica Montoya, was detained and placed in handcuffs. The male suspect, later identified as Pete Martinez, fled on foot from officers.  

Officers challenged Martinez again as he ran across the parking lot of the Barnes & Noble bookstore. An officer saw Martinez produce a handgun.

Martinez than ran into the Coldstone Creamery toward the back of the business. Officers started clearing customers to get them to safety. Additional officers saw Martinez exit the back of the business and run north across NM 528 toward businesses.

Officers engaged Martinez again in front of a business and gave several commands for him to drop his gun. One officer fired a less-lethal weapon, followed by a gunshot fired by another officer. Officers attempted to provide aid to Martinez, but he died as a result of his wounds.

Detectives later interviewed Montoya, who said Martinez was her boyfriend. Montoya was booked into the Metro Detention Center on charges of shoplifting and conspiracy to commit a felony.

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