Santa Fe police report that a suspect, identified as Justin Jimenez, is in custody after allegedly fleeing police in a stolen vehicle, causing chaos throughout Santa Fe, leading to a police shooting and the cancellation of the traditional Fiestas de Santa Fe festival.
Santa Fe Police Chief Paul Joye expressed frustration over repeat offenders being released back onto the streets. “The Sonic shooting involved a repeat offender. The Best Buy shooting was committed by someone who should never have been out,” Joye said. “Now, we have another violent individual with a history who should not have been free.”
Police say Jimenez was stopped twice for suspicion of driving a stolen car. In both instances, Jimenez reportedly fled before officers caught up with him and fired shots near the plaza, leading to the shutdown of fiesta celebrations.
Court records reveal that Jimenez had pleaded guilty to attempted auto burglary in July, but his one-year sentence was suspended, allowing him to avoid jail time. He has an extensive criminal history, including burglary, vehicle theft, and assault, according to Santa Fe police.
The New Mexico State Police is investigating the officer-involved shooting and has not released further information at this time.
Santa Fe Police Department Press Release Re: Justin Jimenez Arrest
Santa Fe Police Charges Suspect for Crimes Leading to the Officer-Involved Shooting Near Downtown Plaza
Santa Fe, NM – September 9, 2024, The Santa Fe Police Department has arrested and charged Justin Jimenez (21 years old) of Santa Fe, NM, for the multiple crimes he committed leading up to the Officer-Involved shooting being investigated by New Mexico State Police.
Mr. Jimenez is charged with Aggravated Battery (Deadly Weapon) Upon a Peace Officer, 3 counts of Aggravated Assault (Deadly Weapon) Against a Peace Officer, Transferring or Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Aggravated Fleeing a Law Enforcement Officer, as well as several other traffic violations.
He received medical treatment at a local hospital following Sunday’s incident, was medically cleared for incarceration and was booked this morning into Santa Fe County Adult Detention Center.
Mr. Jimenez has an extensive criminal history, with prior arrests for offenses including Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Transferring or Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Resisting, Evading, or Fleeing Law Enforcement, as well as multiple arrest warrants.
This case remains under active investigation, and as additional information becomes available it will be provided. Case number 2024-010534.
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Media Contact: Paul Joye, Chief of Police [email protected] or 505-955-5355
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Santa Fe Fiesta
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