Anthony Zane Blalock – State authorities are investigating a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred late Tuesday night in Alamogordo following a call about a possible break-in. According to the New Mexico State Police, officers with the Alamogordo Police Department were dispatched to a residential area on Virginia Avenue at about 11:45 p.m. on January 13 after receiving a report of suspicious activity. The call indicated there may have been a burglary in progress at a home in the area.
While officers were checking nearby properties, including a business across the street, they were approached by a resident who reported that an individual was in a backyard and appeared to be holding a weapon. Officers then focused their attention on that location as they continued their response.
State police said a man later identified as 41-year-old Anthony Zane Blalock emerged from behind an enclosed porch and moved toward one of the responding officers. A second officer arrived shortly afterward to assist. During the interaction, officers attempted to determine who was involved and assess the situation.
Authorities reported that the man acknowledged he was carrying a weapon and did not comply with repeated commands from officers to put it down. As the encounter continued, officers perceived an immediate threat and discharged their firearms. The man was struck and fell to the ground.
Officers on scene immediately began providing emergency aid until medical personnel arrived. Despite those efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. No officers were injured during the incident.
The New Mexico State Police said their initial findings did not uncover evidence of a burglary at the home that prompted the response. Investigators also reported that no other individuals were found inside the residence or in the backyard area. The situation appears to have involved only the individual and responding officers.
As with all officer-involved shootings in New Mexico, the case is being handled by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau. This unit is responsible for conducting independent, fact-based investigations into such incidents statewide. Once the investigation is complete, the findings will be forwarded to the appropriate local district attorney’s office. Prosecutors will then review the evidence to determine whether the officers’ actions were legally justified under state law.
State police emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that all available evidence, including officer statements, witness accounts, and physical evidence from the scene, will be carefully reviewed. Officials noted that details released so far are considered preliminary and may be updated as the investigation progresses.
Authorities did not release additional personal details about the individual who died, and they asked the public to allow the investigative process to move forward. They also acknowledged the impact such incidents can have on the community and said they remain committed to transparency as more information becomes available.
Anyone with information relevant to the incident is encouraged to contact New Mexico State Police investigators as the review continues.
