Deputy shoots, kills knife-wielding man in Kirtland

A man died in a deputy-involved shooting in Kirtland, New Mexico, on Monday evening, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Tuesday. A deputy shot the man after he approached deputies with a knife above his head outside a Dollar General store.

Deputies were dispatched to a “domestic violence disturbance” at the Dollar General in Kirtland at about 8:37 p.m., according to the sheriff’s office.

While deputies were speaking with the victim, the suspect returned to the store. The sheriff’s office said the man came toward deputies with a knife above his head.

“Deputies made multiple commands to stop and drop the knife, however, the suspect ignored the commands and continued moving towards the deputies with the knife,” the sheriff’s office stated in a Tuesday news release. “A deputy discharged his sidearm, striking the suspect.”

The man died at the scene. The deputy involved is on administrative leave.

The Farmington Police Department is leading the investigation.