Las Cruces Police Department Chief Jeremy Story briefed the public on the details of a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred early on May 8, on the 900 block of Walnut Street. As reported by the City of Las Cruces, during his May 20 news conference, Chief Story detailed the events that led to the death of 18-year-old Josiah Perrault.
The shooting took place at approximately 6:30 a.m. near 925 S. Walnut Street. The officer, who was finishing his shift at the time, witnessed an altercation that led to gunfire. An involved individual, pursued by another armed man, ran into the lot. In the ensuing chaos, gunfire erupted, prompting the officer to discharge his service weapon. Perrault, it turns out, was struck by at least one bullet during the exchange. Despite efforts by the LCPD, along with Fire and EMS personnel, life-saving measures proved futile, and Perrault was pronounced dead at the scene.
Details about the officer's response and the larger context of the incident were the focus of Chief Story's update. The officer involved in the shooting has served with the LCPD for 2 years and, following standard protocol, has been placed on administrative leave during the ongoing investigation. The Chief's news conference served as an effort to keep the public apprised of new information as the department navigates the aftermath of the shooting and the community seeks answers.
While the officer's identity has not been released, the narrative provided by the Chief underscores the swift and tragic escalation of events that day. Story, seeking to present a transparent account, maintained that all personnel involved worked swiftly to implement life-saving measures upon Perrault, a detail that underscores the gravity and immediacy of the intervention.
