This update identifies the officer and the suspect involved and gives additional details leading up to the shooting
On February 22, 2020, at approximately 4:15 p.m., New Mexico State Police officers assisted Luna County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) deputies who were attempting to locate Rodrigo Aguirre (36). Aguirre, who was armed with a shotgun, led police on a vehicle pursuit and shot at a deputy in Deming, New Mexico.
State Police agents learned that at approximately 2:21 p.m., the Deming Police Department received a call of a suspicious person who attempted to forcefully gain access into a residence in Deming, NM. When Deming Police officers arrived on scene, they identified the suspect as Rodrigo Aguirre. Officers attempted to make contact with Aguirre who was non-compliant and fled the scene in a red minivan. Aguirre led officers on a pursuit through the town of Deming. Officers lost sight of Aguirre and returned to the residence.
A short time later, LCSO deputies located the red minivan and attempted to initiate a traffic stop but Aguirre refused to stop and evaded the deputies. A LCSO deputy pursued Aguirre into the county onto San Joaquin Road. The vehicle attempted to travel over a large berm and became high centered. The deputy observed Aguirre exit the vehicle armed with a shotgun. Aguirre fired two rounds at the deputy, striking the deputy’s police unit. The deputy continued driving to safety. As the deputy drove away the suspect walked into the road and fired additional rounds at him.
The New Mexico State Police and United States Border Patrol were called to assist with the search for Aguirre. Aguirre was located hiding in a large bush between San Joaquin Road and a service road. New Mexico State Police Officer Daniel Soliz arrived and observed Aguirre holding the shotgun in a “low ready” position concealed in the large bush. Officer Soliz ordered Aguirre to drop the weapon which Aguirre ignored. Officer Soliz continued to give Aguirre commands to drop the weapon, but Aguirre did not comply. Officer Soliz fired two shots from his department issued AR-15, striking Aguirre.
Aguirre was treated on scene by officers until emergency medical personnel arrived on scene. Aguirre succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
Officer Soliz was placed on standard administrative leave. Officer Soliz has been with the New Mexico State Police for approximately 10 years and 6 months. Upon completion of the State Police investigation this case will be forwarded to an assigned district attorney’s office for review.