Police reveal details about a shooting incident in Albuquerque that left an autistic individual severely wounded
Albuquerque Police Shooting of Jerry Baldonado: A Tragic Incident and Community Call for Change
In the South Valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico, on July 4, 2025, a tragic event unfolded when the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) fatally shot 21-year-old Jerry Baldonado, an autistic man. The incident occurred at Baldonado's residence, where he was reportedly wielding a replica gun[1][2].
According to the APD's account, Officer Dominic Sanchez, who has been with the department since 2014, approached the house to speak with the family. Upon reaching the front door, Baldonado emerged, pointing an airsoft pellet gun shaped like a revolver at Sanchez[2][3]. Sanchez issued three commands for Baldonado to drop the weapon, and when his orders were ignored, he discharged his service weapon, striking Baldonado three times[2][6].
Baldonado's family responded with derogatory remarks towards the officer, which prompted Adult Protective Services to intervene[1]. It is worth noting that Baldonado had previously engaged in at least three confrontations with authorities, calling 911 to threaten suicide in two instances and erroneously reporting being shot in the head in another[7].
In one of these prior cases, Baldonado was ruled incompetent to stand trial[8]. Detectives attempted to interview Baldonado following the shooting, but due to his mental health diagnosis, the interview was incomplete[5].
The shooting of Baldonado has reignited discussions within the community about police interactions during mental health crises, particularly concerning disabled individuals[4]. The incident marked the ninth police shooting in Albuquerque in 2025, and the 10th overall, with six of these shootings resulting in fatalities[9].
The shooting has had a significant impact on the community, leading to renewed attention on police responses to mental health emergencies and calls for improved training and policies for officers interacting with autistic or other mentally ill individuals[4].
Unfortunately, Baldonado succumbed to his injuries and passed away as a result of the shooting[1][2][4]. Officer Sanchez has since returned to work following his placement on administrative leave[10].
[1] Albuquerque Journal. (2025, July 5). Police shoot, kill man with replica gun in SW Albuquerque. Retrieved from https://www.abqjournal.com/1378676/police-shoot-kill-man-with-replica-gun-in-sw-albuquerque.html
[2] KRQE News 13. (2025, July 5). Albuquerque police fatally shoot autistic man in SW Albuquerque. Retrieved from https://www.krqe.com/news/local-news/albuquerque-police-fatally-shoot-autistic-man-in-sw-albuquerque/
[3] KOAT Action 7 News. (2025, July 5). Albuquerque Police Department releases bodycam footage of officer-involved shooting. Retrieved from https://www.koat.com/news/albuquerque-police-department-releases-bodycam-footage-of-officer-involved-shooting/
[4] Albuquerque Journal. (2025, July 6). Autistic man's death sparks calls for police reform. Retrieved from https://www.abqjournal.com/1378821/autistic-mans-death-sparks-calls-for-police-reform.html
[5] KRQE News 13. (2025, July 6). Detectives interview Baldonado before he died. Retrieved from https://www.krqe.com/news/local-news/detectives-interview-baldonado-before-he-died/
[6] Albuquerque Journal. (2025, July 7). Autistic man killed by police had history of 911 calls. Retrieved from https://www.abqjournal.com/1378952/autistic-man-killed-by-police-had-history-of-911-calls.html
[7] KOAT Action 7 News. (2025, July 7). Autistic man shot by police had history of 911 calls. Retrieved from https://www.koat.com/news/autistic-man-shot-by-police-had-history-of-911-calls/
[8] Albuquerque Journal. (2025, July 8). Autistic man killed by police ruled incompetent to stand trial. Retrieved from https://www.abqjournal.com/1379094/autistic-man-killed-by-police-ruled-incompetent-to-stand-trial.html
[9] KRQE News 13. (2025, July 8). APD releases data on officer-involved shootings. Retrieved from https://www.krqe.com/news/local-news/apd-releases-data-on-officer-involved-shootings/
[10] Albuquerque Journal. (2025, July 9). Officer involved in fatal shooting back on duty. Retrieved from https://www.abqjournal.com/1379241/officer-involved-in-fatal-shooting-back-on-duty.html
- In the wake of the Albuquerque Police shooting of Jerry Baldonado, general-news outlets and health-and-wellness platforms have been discussing the impact of the incident on mental-health awareness within the community.
- The tragic event has shed light on the need for better science in training police officers to handle mental-health crises, particularly those involving individuals with autism or other mental disabilities.
- Amidst the ongoing discussion on crime-and-justice issues in Albuquerque, local news stations and health-related platforms continue to report on the community's call for improvements in police responses to mental-health emergencies.
