Executive Summary
- Santa Fe Police responded to active shooter reports on Jan. 8 causing major road closures.
- Witnesses described a suspect with a rifle, but police recovered unmatched pistol casings.
- No suspects have been identified or arrested following the extensive SWAT operation.
- Investigators state current evidence is insufficient to significantly advance the case.
SANTA FE, N.M. — A comprehensive law enforcement response to reports of an active shooter on the north side of Santa Fe earlier this month has concluded with the recovery of bullet casings but no arrests or identified suspects, according to newly released police documents.
According to incident reports obtained through a public records request, the Santa Fe Police Department (SFPD) dispatched SWAT teams and drone units to the Calle Mejia area shortly after 1:00 p.m. on January 8. The response was triggered by multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire. One witness at the nearby Santa Fe National Cemetery told officers he heard a shot and observed an individual departing the roof of an apartment building carrying what appeared to be a "high-powered rifle."
The operation involved significant resources, including a New Mexico State Police helicopter and officers on all-terrain vehicles searching the surrounding hills. During the search, officers on Viento Circle reported hearing two additional gunshots believed to have originated from the west or northwest. The police activity prompted a shelter-in-place order for local residents and resulted in miles-long traffic backups on U.S. 84/285.
Despite the tactical mobilization, the search ended without a suspect in custody. Santa Fe Police Capt. Jimmie Montoya stated on Monday that investigators have uncovered minimal evidence to advance the case. While police reports document the recovery of a bullet casing on the day of the incident, Montoya noted that it was found "in the area" but did not provide further specifics regarding that particular piece of evidence.
A second casing was discovered three days later, on January 11, near the intersection of Calle Mejia and Viento Segundo. A resident reported finding the casing roughly 158 feet west of the intersection. However, police analysis suggests this evidence complicates rather than clarifies the narrative. Capt. Montoya confirmed that the casing found on January 11 came from a pistol, which did not match the rifle described by the initial witness. Additionally, the report noted the casing appeared bent, indicating it may have been run over by a vehicle.
Investigative Outlook
The discrepancy between witness accounts of a high-powered rifle and the forensic recovery of pistol casings presents a significant hurdle for the ongoing inquiry. With no matching ballistics, no suspect description beyond the initial sighting, and no reported injuries, the investigation faces a lack of actionable leads. This case illustrates the difficulty law enforcement agencies face when high-priority calls result in ambiguous physical evidence, leaving the incident as an open public safety concern until further information surfaces.
