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LAS CRUCES, N.M. — A 45-year-old woman was shot and killed by a Las Cruces Police Department officer on Tuesday, with the incident currently under investigation, officials have reported.
According to a news release issued by the department, an officer who was on bicycle patrol in the vicinity of the 1300 block of Burley Court initiated contact with a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer for reasons that remain unknown.
The information provided by the department did not specify whether the woman, whose identity has not been disclosed to the media, was the driver or a passenger in the vehicle.
"At some point during the contact, the officer discharged at least one round that struck the woman," stated the department's news release.
While the news release noted that "specific details" were still unclear, it did mention that the officer had sustained minor injuries that did not necessitate hospitalization.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Incident Task Force, and the officer involved has been placed on leave, a standard procedure for officers involved in shootings. Further information regarding the shooting is expected to be disclosed during a press conference scheduled by the Las Cruces Police Department at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. This is an evolving story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.