Virginia Romero, 34

Los Lunas, New Mexico
August 23, 2018

Agencies: New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy DPS | Valencia County Sheriff’s Office New Mexico | New Mexico State Police DPS

Cause of death: Shooting

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Last updated: almost 4 years ago

Overview

On August 23, 2018, The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was contacted to investigate a police shooting involving the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office. State Police agents learned that around 9:30 a.m. the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a burglary in progress call at  East Brazaro Ave, in Valencia county.

Deputies arrived at the residence and began their investigation. Deputies encountered several subjects at the residence to include Daniel Ibuado (45) of Belen who was immediately detained for an outstanding arrest warrant for Aggravated Burglary. Ibuado was placed in the back seat of Deputy Kevin Vega’s patrol unit. While deputies were speaking with Ibuado and other subjects, Virginia Romero (34) of Belen got into the driver seat of deputy Vega’s patrol unit and put the vehicle in gear and the vehicle began to move, effectively stealing the patrol unit with Ibuado still seated in the back seat.

At this point Deputy Ashley Martinez discharged her duty firearm at Romero, as Romero drove the patrol unit. The patrol unit crashed into #12 East Brazaro Ave. Virginia Romero was struck once by gunfire and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Daniel Ibuado was successfully taken into custody by deputies.

Deputy Ashley Martinez has been with VCSO for about one and a half years. Deputy Kevin Vega, who did not discharge his weapon has been with VCSO for about two years. For information on the charges Daniel Ibuado faces for the initial burglary call, please contact VCSO. No further information is available at this time.

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