On the morning of May 8, 2025, the Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD) responded to an incident on the 900 block of Walnut Street, near Lynn Middle School. The situation escalated, leading to an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of 18-year-old Josiah Perrault.
The shooting occurred around 6:30 a.m., prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Another individual involved in the incident sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The officer involved was not injured during the encounter.
In accordance with standard protocol for officer-involved shootings, the LCPD has placed the officer on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The Officer-Involved Incident Task Force, comprising investigators from the New Mexico State Police, the Las Cruces Police Department, and the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, is leading the investigation.
Authorities have announced a news conference scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on May 20, 2025, to provide additional details about the incident. Until then, the LCPD has stated that the investigation is in its early stages and that further information will be released as it becomes available.
The community awaits further information to understand the circumstances that led to this tragic event.