OTERO COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) –New Mexico State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting involving the Otero County Sheriff’s Office. According to NMSP, around 10:45 p.m. an OCSO deputy was dispatched to conduct a welfare check on a person walking on the median on US Highway 70 near mile marker 240. The subject was later identified as 17-year-old Elijah Hadley.
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According to NMSP, as the deputy approached, Hadley presented what appeared to be a firearm at the deputy. The deputy fired at least one round from his weapon, striking Hadley.
NMSP states that agents later learned the object that Hadley presented at the deputy was an airsoft gun. Hadley was pronounced dead on the scene. The deputy involved was not injured during the incident.
At this time the investigation is ongoing.
