October 24, 2025

Albuquerque Police Shoot Man Attacking Woman with Hammer

Northeast Heights, Albuquerque, October 24, 2025

In a dramatic domestic violence incident in Northeast Heights, Albuquerque police shot a 28-year-old man who was attacking a woman with a hammer. Officers responded to a call just after 8 PM and opened fire on the suspect when he displayed aggressive behavior, striking him twice. Fortunately, the woman escaped without injury. The incident is currently under internal review by the Albuquerque Police Department to assess the actions of the officers involved.

Albuquerque Police Shoot Man Attacking Woman with Hammer in Northeast Heights

Albuquerque, NM – Dramatic bodycam footage released on Thursday captures a tense confrontation where police officers shot a 28-year-old man who was actively attacking a woman with a hammer during a domestic violence incident in the Northeast Heights area. The shooting occurred just after 8 PM, highlighting the rapid escalation of the situation and the immediate response from law enforcement.

Officers responded to a domestic violence call at the scene, where they encountered the suspect displaying clear signs of aggression and non-compliance. As the man continued his assault on the woman, who managed to escape without injuries, the officers fired their weapons, striking him twice. The suspect survived the incident following emergency surgery and is now recovering, though his condition remains under medical supervision.

The release of the bodycam video provides a detailed visual record of the event, showing the chaotic moments leading up to the shooting. This footage is now part of an ongoing internal review by the Albuquerque Police Department, aimed at evaluating the officers’ actions and adherence to protocols. Such reviews are standard procedure following any use of force to ensure accountability and to identify potential areas for improvement in training and response strategies.

Details of the Incident

The call came in around 8 PM, drawing officers to a residential area in Northeast Heights, a bustling neighborhood known for its family homes and proximity to shopping districts. Upon arrival, the officers assessed the situation and found the 28-year-old man in the midst of attacking the woman with a hammer. Reports indicate that the suspect ignored commands to stop and continued his aggressive behavior, posing an immediate threat to those present.

Bodycam recordings, which are worn by officers to document interactions, captured the suspect’s non-compliant actions from multiple angles. The footage shows the woman breaking free from the attack, allowing her to flee the scene unharmed. In response, the officers discharged their firearms, hitting the man twice in a bid to neutralize the danger. Paramedics arrived shortly after, providing on-site aid before transporting him to a local hospital for surgery.

Authorities have confirmed that the woman involved did not sustain any physical injuries, though emotional support services are likely being offered given the traumatic nature of the event. The suspect’s survival post-surgery means he may face charges related to the domestic violence assault, pending further investigation and his recovery.

Internal Review and Officer Safety Protocols

The Albuquerque Police Department has initiated an internal review of the shooting, a process that examines the necessity and proportionality of force used. This step is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that officers follow established guidelines. The review will likely involve analyzing the bodycam footage frame by frame, along with witness statements and any available 911 audio, to reconstruct the sequence of events.

Incidents like this underscore the ongoing emphasis on officer safety training protocols within the department. Training programs focus on de-escalation techniques, recognizing signs of aggression, and making split-second decisions in high-risk scenarios. Albuquerque police regularly update these protocols based on real-world experiences to better equip officers for handling domestic violence calls, which can quickly turn volatile.

Domestic violence remains a significant issue in the city, with hundreds of calls reported monthly. The department has invested in specialized units and community outreach to address root causes, but events such as this shooting highlight the unpredictable risks officers face. Community members are encouraged to report suspicious activities early to prevent escalations.

Broader Context of Police Shootings in Albuquerque

Albuquerque has seen its share of high-profile police-involved shootings over the years, prompting reforms in use-of-force policies and increased transparency through bodycam releases. This incident fits into a pattern where officers respond to domestic disputes that involve weapons, often requiring immediate intervention to protect victims.

The Northeast Heights location adds to the local impact, as residents in this area may feel heightened concerns about safety. Local authorities often collaborate with neighborhood associations to discuss such events and reinforce community policing efforts. While the shooting resolved the immediate threat, it serves as a reminder of the challenges in balancing rapid response with measured force.

As the internal review progresses, updates will be provided to the public, emphasizing the department’s commitment to transparency. For now, the focus remains on the well-being of those involved and preventing similar incidents through enhanced training and awareness.

FAQ

What happened in the Albuquerque police shooting incident?

Dramatic bodycam footage released Thursday shows Albuquerque police shooting a 28-year-old man who was attacking a woman with a hammer in Northeast Heights. Officers arrived at the domestic violence call just after 8 PM, finding the suspect non-compliant and aggressive. He was hit twice and survived after surgery. The woman escaped unharmed. The incident, now under internal review, underscores ongoing officer safety training protocols.

Where did the incident take place?

The incident took place in Northeast Heights, Albuquerque, during a domestic violence call just after 8 PM.

Was the woman injured in the attack?

The woman escaped unharmed from the attack.

What is the condition of the suspect?

The 28-year-old suspect was hit twice and survived after surgery.

What follows the shooting?

The incident is now under internal review by the Albuquerque Police Department to evaluate the officers’ actions.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature	Description
Location	Northeast Heights, Albuquerque
Time	Just after 8 PM
Suspect Age	28-year-old man
Weapon Used in Attack	Hammer
Victim Status	Woman escaped unharmed
Suspect Outcome	Shot twice, survived after surgery
Follow-up	Under internal review; emphasizes officer safety training