State Police fatally shoot armed Roswell driver

A man armed with a gun was shot and killed by New Mexico State Police on Wednesday evening after police say he threatened officers.

William James Roberts, 64, pointed the weapon at two officers before they opened fire, striking Roberts “at least once,” according to a news release issued by State Police spokesperson Amanda Richards on Thursday morning. 

Wednesday’s incident began with a traffic stop that turned into a vehicle chase.

Around 8:45 p.m., a State Police officer pulled over a Cadillac driven by a man — later identified as Roberts — at West Berrendo and Main Street in Roswell, Richards said.

State Police did not say why they pulled Roberts over.

Roberts “accelerated away from the attempted traffic stop,” according to Richards.

Roberts drove to a trailer park at 3201 N. Kentucky before he stopped at a dead end, Richards said. 

A second officer arrived, and the two ordered him to get out of the vehicle with his hands in the air, Richards said in the release. 

“During these instructions given by officers, Roberts could be seen reaching for something inside of the vehicle,” Richards said. “Roberts then exited his vehicle with a handgun and pointed it at the officers.”

Both officers opened fire, striking Roberts at least once, according to Richards. He was taken to a hospital where he died of his injuries.

State Police said the agency will not release the names of the involved officers until an investigation has been completed. The officers have been placed on administrative leave. 

Prior to his death, Roberts was charged in 2025 with receiving stolen property over $500 and conspiracy to commit receiving stolen property. A warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to comply with his conditions of release.

Nakayla McClelland covers crime and breaking news. Reach her at nmcclelland@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3857.