Logan, NM -On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate an officer involved shooting involving the Quay County Sheriff’s Office.
State Police Investigations Bureau agents learned that on July 19, at around 2:30 a.m., A Quay County Sheriff’s deputy along with two New Mexico State Police officers and two Logan Police officers were responding to a domestic dispute around the 800 block of 540 Loop in Logan, NM. Dispatch advised officers that Matthew Dimas (38) of Tucumcari, NM had fired two rounds from a firearm from the back yard area of a residence and was threatening to hurt his spouse who was inside the residence.
When the deputy and officers arrived on scene, they encountered Dimas, who was armed with a firearm. Officers gave Dimas verbal commands to drop the firearm, which he ignored. At some point during the encounter, a Quay County deputy fired at least one round from his department-issued firearm, striking Dimas. Officers administered life-saving measures until emergency personnel arrived on the scene. Dimas was transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Quay County deputy involved in this incident will not be identified by the New Mexico State Police. For the name of the officer, information on duty status, or administrative actions taken, please contact the Quay County Sheriff’s Office.
This investigation is ongoing and is being led by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau. New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the district attorney for review.
The New Mexico State Police acts solely as a factfinder in its cases and does not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the district attorney’s office. This incident remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.
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