Hanover, NM - Around 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2016, New Mexico State Police officers were assisting Grant County Sheriff's Department deputies with a call involving a male subject with a firearm at a residence on Fierro Road in Hanover, NM. The male subject was later identified as Josh Herrera (29) of Vanadium, NM.

The officers on scene were negotiating with Mr. Herrera to drop his handgun. Based on evidence and witness officer statements, around 3:30 p.m., Mr. Herrera took a deliberately aggressive posture and pointed his handgun at officers. At that point, New Mexico State Police officer Austin Baca-Ray fired his duty weapon and struck Mr. Herrera once. Officer Baca-Ray has been on the department for six months.

Officers at the scene immediately rendered medical aid to Mr. Herrera until EMS arrived. However, Mr. Herrera succumbed to his injuries and died at the scene. Mr. Herrera had a .22 caliber handgun in his possession when he was shot. No injuries were sustained by officers.

All details of this incident are being investigated by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau. Further information will be released when it comes available.