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New Mexico State Police

August 29, 2025

NMSP Investigates Multi-Agency Officer-Involved Shooting

Roswell, NM-On August 28, 2025, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate a multi-agency officer-involved shooting (OIS).

State Police agents learned that on August 28th, 2025, at approximately 12:31 a.m., Roswell Police Department officers responded to 614 East 6th Street for a domestic disturbance between a male and female. The male subject, identified as 29-year-old Dakota Perkins, was also reported to have suicidal ideation.

Upon the arrival of Roswell Police officers, Perkins immediately began firing upon officers. It was learned that Perkins was armed with multiple firearms, including an automatic rifle, and was wearing body armor. Furthermore, he was also in possession of a flash grenade and Tannerite. Chaves County Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico State Police arrived moments later. Perkins continued to fire upon officers, and a Roswell Police officer and a Chaves County Sheriff’s Office deputy were both shot by Perkins. The Roswell Police officer was treated locally for his injuries, and the deputy was flown to a Texas hospital for further treatment.

Multiple structures and vehicles were also struck by Perkins’ gunfire.

During the exchange, officers from the Roswell Police Department, a deputy from the Chaves County Sheriff’s Office, and New Mexico State Police officers all discharged their firearms, and Perkins was struck by law enforcement gunfire. After being struck by gunfire, Perkins entered negotiations with two Roswell Police Department Crisis Negotiators. While speaking to negotiators, Perkins stated that he had already pulled the pin from the flash grenade and had to detonate it to get rid of it. The flash grenade exploded without any injuries. Negotiators were able to get Perkins to put the weapons down, remove body armor, and surrender to law enforcement. He was taken into custody without further incident and treated for his injuries at a local area hospital.

Perkins is charged with the following:

• Two Counts - Attempt To Commit A Felony, To Wit: First Degree Murder (Willful Or Deliberate)

• Two Counts - Assault With Intent To Commit A Violent Felony Upon A Peace Officer

• Two Counts - Aggravated Battery Upon A Peace Officer (Deadly Weapon)

• Two Counts - Abuse Of A Child (Does Not Result In Death Or Great Bodily Harm)

New Mexico State Police will not release the names of the NMSP officers involved until after all officer interviews have been completed. Furthermore, NMSP will not release the names of officers/deputies involved from the Roswell Police Department and the Chaves County Sheriff’s Office. Please contact each respective agency for information on the officers’ names, duty statuses, and any administrative actions taken. The New Mexico State Police act solely as factfinders in their investigations and conduct an unbiased and impartial investigation.

In officer-involved shootings, NMSP thoroughly documents the scene, collects evidence, and interviews officers, subjects, and witnesses. In turn, the agency compiles facts as detailed as possible and forwards all reports and evidence to the appropriate district attorney for further review.

The New Mexico State Police does not determine whether an officer's actions were justified. This determination rests solely with the district attorney reviewing the investigation.

All reactions:

217 comments

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John J. Harvey

Question: When you say automatic rifle do you mean a legal semi automatic or was it an automatic rifle? Because you guys really should know the difference.

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John Geiss

Automatic rifle? Do you mean semi-auto? How would he get his hands on a machine gun?

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Devin Lopez

I pray for New Mexico every day!!

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Katie McIlwaine Robinson

I hope he gets the mental help he needs. This could have been so much more devestating. Great job officers for deescalating the situation

View all 9 replies

Stephanie Hicks

What about the significant other and kids . What impact will that have on them.

Mark Selph

If he entered negotiations after being wounded than officers should schedule some more range time. IMO. Great job either way!

View all 11 replies

Francis Pagliuca

Where did he get an automatic rifle? Asking for a friend

Gary Herron

Life in prison sounds right. I suppose we’ll read a judge has ruled to keep him detained till arraignment and trial.

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Errin Bilby

Loreto Quezada this what i was telling you. Grenades y todo.

Mila Nat

There we're some houses affected by the shooting..so who is going to be responsible for that?

David Powers

Thanks to God that the situation is over and he will receive mental help and put in safe keeping so others will not be hurt. Thank you peace officers and blessings on your healing. (A NMexican living in Ks)

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Donnie Smith

Automatic rifle! Please elaborate.

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Cynthia George

In an exchange of gunfire buildings and automobiles were hit. That involves the suspect and law enforcement. If he had full automatic firearm more bullets were being fired at him. If he had a flash grenade he was definitely the major player in the hail of bullets. Every day over one million officers leave their families to protect ours. While there are some bad cops who are breaking laws it is less than.001%. Media only focuses on the negative. Good news doesn’t pay their bills. The officers were called for help and if you took the time to read the charges he was charged with child abuse. He was the aggressor. From your comments I would take it that you’ve been to jail or prison and you have an issue with cops. Yet they would still give their life to protect your ungrateful butt. Peace out.

Helen Tornesello Pritchard

Thank you law enforcement for your protection and fast action to protect our city. It is unbelievable that anyone thinks it is ok to ambush Officers of the Law or any human being.

Marie Privett

Great work Crisis Team!!

Boo Reynolds Gambill

THANK YOU OFFICERS

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Dawn Kohorst

Thankyou for protecting us....best wishes for speedy recovery for two wounded officers keeping us safe. Bring in National Guard please....to Taos.

Iris Dunbar

Praying for all involved.

Rebecca Rebecca

Praying he gets the help he needs

Michael Moran

To bad the officers didn’t get a good head shot on him and saved taxpayers a lot of money!

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