oting that left 18-year-old Josiah Perrault dead after he allegedly opened fire while chasing two teenagers near South Walnut Street and Nevada Avenue.
The incident unfolded just after 6:30 a.m. when a Las Cruces police officer — wrapping up a night shift and parked in the lot of 925 S. Walnut — witnessed two teens being pursued by an armed individual. According to Story, the officer saw Perrault fire a gun at the fleeing teens before intervening and shooting him. The officer’s body camera was manually activated immediately after the shooting.
Another man believed to be involved in the incident was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
“There are still things we do not know for certain, and there is a possibility that our understanding of this event will change as new evidence is processed,” Story said at Tuesday’s press conference, adding that the information, audio and images released may be disturbing.
The press conference — originally expected shortly after the shooting — was delayed until May 20 to allow for key witness interviews and to permit Story and other LCPD personnel to attend National Police Week in Washington, D.C., where fallen Las Cruces Officer Jonah Hernandez was honored. Hernandez was killed in the line of duty in 2024.
What happened
The confrontation began earlier that morning when two teenagers walking along Walnut reportedly exchanged words with a group inside a white sedan. Witnesses from both sides said the verbal altercation escalated after “dirty looks” were exchanged. According to witness statements played at the press conference, firearms were brandished by individuals on both sides.
After the sedan drove off, the teens continued walking north on Walnut, but later saw the vehicle waiting for them near the intersection with Nevada Avenue. At least two people — including Perrault — exited the car and began chasing the teens, one of whom was reportedly armed.
Witnesses said Perrault was seen with a black handgun and a tan (“peanut butter”-colored) extended magazine. As the group ran into the parking lot across from Lynn Middle School, one teen was allegedly shot by Perrault just before the officer opened fire. The officer then detained the others at gunpoint.
According to LCPD, Perrault was struck at least once and died at the scene despite emergency medical efforts.
Prior incidents involving Perrault
Chief Story confirmed that Perrault had a documented history with law enforcement, including several recent firearm-related incidents:
- In April 2024, Perrault was a passenger in a vehicle that fled from Doña Ana County sheriff’s deputies.
- In May 2024, he was charged with aggravated fleeing from law enforcement after being found with a firearm at Mayfield High School.
- In March 2025, he was reportedly driving a vehicle linked to a drive-by shooting; two guns were recovered from the vehicle, one of which was stolen.
Perrault had turned 18 earlier this month, Story said.
Investigation and next steps
The shooting is being investigated by the multi-agency Officer-Involved Incident Task Force, which includes members of the New Mexico State Police, Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, Las Cruces Police Department and New Mexico State University Police. The task force gathers evidence and presents findings to the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
As of Tuesday, no charges had been filed, but Story acknowledged that one of the fleeing teens was also believed to be armed. Additional charges could follow.
Community impact and ongoing concerns
The May 8 shooting took place just blocks from Young Park — the site of a mass shooting earlier this year. When asked about broader safety concerns in the neighborhood, Chief Story pointed to both immediate and systemic responses.
“There are a lot of infrastructure upgrades going into this area as part of a real-time crime center,” he said, “but ultimately, this is another example of our young teenage boys being lost to senseless, meaningless acts.”
He noted that many of the firearms recovered from teens are stolen from unlocked vehicles, and emphasized the need for more responsible firearm storage.
“There’s a delicate balance between victimizing the victim and encouraging responsibility,” Story said, “but we have to do better than we’re doing now.”
Public release
Video clips and body camera footage shown during the press conference will be made available via the city’s YouTube channel and the Las Cruces Police Department’s Facebook page, according to city spokesperson Mandy Guss.
The name of the officer involved has not yet been released. The investigation remains ongoing.