A man allegedly armed with a knife was fatally shot by Alamogordo police officers responding to a call of a possible burglary in progress, said New Mexico State Police, which is investigating the case.
Anthony Zane Blalock, 41, died at the scene of the shooting, which occurred about 11:45 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, in the 100 block of Virginia Avenue, state police reported.
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau handles police officer-involved shooting investigations statewide. The fact-finding investigations are then forwarded to the local district attorney to determine if the shooting is justified.
NMSP reported that the incident began when Alamogordo police responded to a 911 call about a possible burglary in progress at a home on Virginia Avenue, across the street from a cannabis dispensary on East First Street. Officers were checking around the business when a resident across the street told officers that there was someone in his backyard with a knife.
Blalock — who had cuts to his face and wrist that appeared to be self-inflicted — came out from behind an enclosed porch and walked toward an officer as a second police officer arrived at the scene, New Mexico State Police stated.
When police asked Blalock who had a knife, he responded “me” and took out the knife. Officers ordered him to drop the weapon, but he allegedly refused and continued walking toward an officer with the knife in his hand. Both officers opened fire, fatally shooting Blalock.
Police provided first aid but Blalock was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later by emergency medical personnel, NMSP stated. No officers were injured.
The investigation by New Mexico State Police agents found no evidence of a burglary or of any other person inside the home or in the backyard. The investigation continues.
Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@elpasotimes.com and @BorundaDaniel on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Alamogordo police fatally shoot man with knife during burglary call
Reporting by Daniel Borunda, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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