An unidentified male was pronounced dead on scene after a "struggle" with Doña Ana County Sheriff's deputies escalated to gunfire.
The first details released Monday evening were scarce, but the agency said it would hold a press conference within 48 hours.
According to a news release from DASO, at about 2:20 p.m. Monday, deputies responded to a reported theft in progress in Chaparral, about 40 miles south of Las Cruces and close to the Texas state line.
The incident was reportedly near the intersection of Luna Azul and Prescott Anthony drives, a residential area blocks away from Chaparral High School and Doña Ana County Community College's Chaparral campus.
DASO reported that "a struggle ensued" involving a male individual with whom deputies made contact: "...this resulted in shots being fired and the suspect is deceased at the scene," the agency reported.
The individual who was killed was not immediately identified, as next-of-kin were being notified; and no age or other characteristics were provided, nor further details about what unfolded, how many deputies were involved or other details. DASO said detectives and the office-involved shooting task force were investigating and that a press conference would be scheduled.
