Police shoot, kill suspect in Espanola

ESPANOLA, N.M.- A man is dead following a shooting involving the Espanola Police Department Tuesday night at Ranchitos Park.

State police said the shooting happened during a welfare check on a parked vehicle.

Upon arrival, two Espanola police officers say they observed Louis Nathan Leyba, 38, in the driver’s seat with a female.

She was next to the open passenger door, according to a state police press release.

The female got back into the car as Leyba put the car in reverse, the release said, dragging an Espanola officer.

State police report that both Leyba and the female passenger ignored police’s verbal commands, which is what prompted an officer to fire their weapon.

Leyba was taken to a hospital where he died. No officers were reportedly injured.