The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office in New Mexico shot and killed a 36-year-old Albuquerque man Sunday during a vehicle pursuit that started on the Navajo Nation and ended east of Shiprock.
Shawn Thomas is suspected of brandishing a firearm about 1:25 p.m. at the Speedway gas station at U.S. highways 64 and 491, near Shiprock, according to a news release issued Wednesday by the Sheriff’s Office.
Thomas left the gas station in a blue Toyota Corolla, and the Navajo Police Department gave chase. The vehicle traveled east on Highway 64 and eventually left the Navajo Nation, at which point Sheriff’s Office deputies intercepted the vehicle, according to the release.
Deputies successfully deployed stop sticks that deflated two tires. Thomas then veered into oncoming traffic, attempted to turn around, but was eventually stopped between mile markers 33 and 34 on Highway 64.
“As SJCSO deputies approached the vehicle, actions were made by the suspect which resulting in shots being fired by a deputy,” the release said.
The vehicle began to roll, crashed into a tree and then caught fire, according to the release.
Deputies extracted Thomas from the vehicle to render medical aid as medical workers responded, the release said.
Life-saving efforts were unsuccessful, and Thomas died from his injuries at the scene.
The Sheriff’s Office described Thomas as a known habitual offender who has served multiple jail sentences and prison time.
As of Wednesday night, the Sheriff’s Office had not yet released the name of the deputy involved in the shooting or video footage of the incident, said Karen Hughes, a spokeswoman for the agency.
“I can tell you that video will not be released until all facts are known,” she wrote in an email to The Durango Herald.
She said the address on Thomas’ New Mexico-issued driver’s license shows him with an Albuquerque address.
No officers or bystanders were injured.
The deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave, per Sheriff’s Office policy.
Sheriff Shane Ferrari said the incident will be investigated by the San Juan County Regional Officer Involved Shooting Task Force.
“Conclusions about whether the actions of the deputy are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all the facts are known and the investigation is complete,” the release said.
shane@durangoherald.com
