APD: Gunman killed in drug bust in northeast Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – We’re learning more information about what led to Albuquerque police shooting and killing a man in northeast Albuquerque.

APD told KOB 4 the man was wearing handcuffs at the time he was shot. After hearing that many people weren’t too happy, protesters showed up at the scene just before 6 p.m

The demonstrators quickly made their way to this crime scene on Friday evening.

“As a person, I can say what I want to say. But you cannot hit me or insult me ​​just because I say what I want to say, because that is my amendment. I can say whatever I want,” said one protester.

This comes after Albuquerque police shot and killed a man on Central Street while he was in custody Friday afternoon.

APD says they helped another city department with a drug cleanup operation at the Tewa Motel – a location known for criminal activity.

According to police, they recently received a call requesting help removing problem tenants.

“While we conducted our law enforcement investigation, officers made several arrests. One of them hid his identity,” said Cecil Barker, APD deputy field chief.

According to police, things escalated when they learned the man had three warrants for his arrest in connection with a 2017 robbery conviction.

“He was re-arrested and as officers worked to confirm his identity, disturbances occurred and at least one officer fired shots and a firearm was recovered at the scene,” Barker said.

After all was said and done, Albuquerque city officials said the Tewa Lodge owner made the right call to try to clean up his property.

“This is a tragic situation, but it is just further proof that the owner was right when he said he needed help to help people who have virtually overrun his property,” said Alan Varela, planning director of the City of Albuquerque.

Protesters say despite the circumstances, a fatal shooting should not have occurred.

Albuquerque police have identified the suspect but have not released his name.