Albuquerque crime spree suspect ID’d as man killed in officer shooting

VALENCIA COUNTY, N.M. – New Mexico State Police identified a 31-year-old crime spree suspect as the man who was killed in a pursuit and shooting near Belen last Friday night.

Raphael Marquez, 31, was identified as the man shot by officers Feb. 25, after he rolled a Ford F-350 and refused to get out. Marquez was also accused of a major crime spree earlier in the week.

Just before 11 p.m. Friday, state police received information from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office about Marquez, who was wanted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a household member. Marquez was also identified as a person of interest in multiple homicides and had a violent criminal history, according to NMSP.

Marquez was reportedly traveling south on I-25 in a maroon Ford F-350 pickup truck. BCSO requested assistance from state police in order to attempt to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. At around milepost 195, a state police sergeant deployed tire deflation devices. Marquez drove over the devices and continued to travel south on I-25.

A state police officer in the area saw the vehicle and initiated a pursuit. During the pursuit, Marquez drove the Ford through the city of Belen and down an off-ramp the wrong way, before merging and going southbound in the northbound lanes of I-25. At around milepost 190, a state police officer used a PIT maneuver and the Ford came to stop after it rolled in the dirt shoulder.

BCSO SWAT Team members and Belen Police Department officers arrived on the scene to assist. State police said officers gave Marquez numerous commands to exit the vehicle and surrender peacefully. At some point during the encounter, two BCSO deputies, along with the New Mexico State Police officer, fired shots at Marquez. Authorities said he was struck by gunfire at least once.

Officers rendered aid but the man succumbed to his gunshot injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene.

No officers or deputies were injured during the incident.

Marquez allegedly broke into three homes, stole four different vehicles, kidnapped three people, shot at multiple bystanders and drove the wrong way on I-40 during a crime spree in February. Albuquerque police also said they have evidence that connects Marquez to a homicide on Christmas Eve.

Detectives had filed an arrest warrant late Feb. 25, formally charging him with:

• Felon in possession of a firearm
• 4 counts of aggravated burglary
• 4 counts of taking a motor vehicle
• Negligent use of a deadly weapon
• 9 counts of criminal damage (over $1,000)
• 6 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
• 2 counts of robbery
• 3 counts of kidnapping
• Tampering with evidence
• Shooting at a dwelling or occupied building
• 2 counts of shooting from a motor vehicle
• Aggravated battery
• 3 counts of abandonment or abuse of a child
• Aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer
• Battery
• Reckless driving
• Accidents involving damage to vehicle