A domestic disturbance call in Roswell, New Mexico turned into a violent shootout early Thursday morning, leaving two officers injured and a 29-year-old man facing serious felony charges. The incident highlights the dangers officers face when responding to high-risk situations and the growing concerns around armed confrontations involving mental health crises.
What Happened in Roswell on Thursday Morning
According to the New Mexico State Police, the situation began around 12:31 a.m. when Roswell Police responded to a domestic disturbance involving a reportedly suicidal man, identified as Dakota Perkins, at a home on East 6th Street.
When officers arrived at the scene, Perkins opened fire almost immediately. He was reportedly wearing body armor and had access to multiple firearms, including an automatic rifle.
Two Officers Shot During the Exchange
During the gunfire, two officers were injured:
A Roswell Police officer was shot and later treated at a local hospital.
A Chaves County Sheriff’s deputy was also shot and had to be airlifted to a hospital in Texas for more intensive care.
Authorities said that in addition to the officers, several homes and vehicles were hit by stray bullets, adding to the danger and chaos in the neighborhood.
Standoff Ends After Negotiation and Surrender
After officers from Roswell Police, the Chaves County Sheriff’s Office, and New Mexico State Police returned fire, Perkins was struck and injured. He was still armed when crisis negotiators began talking to him.
During the standoff, Perkins allegedly detonated a flash grenade after pulling the pin himself. Fortunately, no additional injuries were reported from the blast.
Negotiators were eventually able to convince him to disarm and surrender. He was then taken to a hospital for treatment under police custody.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed Against Dakota Perkins
Perkins now faces a long list of felony charges, including:
2 counts of Attempted First-Degree Murder
2 counts of Assault with Intent to Commit a Violent Felony Upon a Peace Officer
2 counts of Aggravated Battery on a Peace Officer with a Deadly Weapon
2 counts of Child Abuse (not resulting in death or great harm)
These charges reflect both the seriousness of the attack and the presence of children during the incident.
Investigation Still Ongoing
At this stage, the names of the injured officers have not been released. Authorities are waiting to complete interviews and internal reviews before providing further details.
The entire case will be reviewed by the district attorney’s office, which will decide if the officers’ use of force was legally justified.
Community Impact and Safety Reminder
This event has once again raised awareness about the dangers of domestic calls involving armed individuals and mental health issues. The use of body armor and automatic weapons in civilian hands is also drawing concern.
Local residents have been urged to stay aware and alert when such incidents occur and to support law enforcement and first responders, especially those who put themselves at risk to protect the community.
