Incident Overview: Santa Fe Police Pursuit on September 8th, 2024

Background

• Date: September 8th, 2024
• Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Incident: Officers of the Santa Fe Police Department were dispatched to McDonald's investigating a stolen Jeep Cherokee tracked via Apple Air Tag.

Pursuit Details

• Action: The suspect stole a vehicle and attempted to elude police during Santa Fe's largest celebration, Fiesta de Santa Fe.
• Suspect: Justin Jimenez
• Tracking: The vehicle was being sporadically tracked due to the limitations of the Air Tag's connectivity with nearby iPhones.

Police Pursuit

• Engagement: Multiple law enforcement units involved; pursuit restricted due to heavy pedestrian presence.
• Outcome: The suspect was eventually stopped after a chase involving the exchange of gunfire.
• Police Administrative Leave: Eight officers and a deputy chief were placed on administrative leave following their firearm discharge during the pursuit.

Arrest and Charges

• Suspect's Condition: Taken for treatment of gunshot wounds before being jailed.
• Charges:
  • Four counts of aggravated battery on a peace officer
  • Aggravated fleeing, possession of a stolen vehicle
  • Reckless driving, failure to obey traffic signs
  • Leaving the scene of an accident, driving without a license
  • Additional charge for criminal damage property exceeding $1,000

Legal Proceedings

• Current Status: Held without bond, awaiting a pre-trial conference scheduled for July 3rd, 2025.
• Previous Criminal Record: Recently pleaded guilty to burglary and larceny, was on probation.
• Probation Violation Hearing: Denied violating probation.

Investigation and Administrative Actions

• Departmental Reaction: Law enforcement officers involved are under investigation by New Mexico State Police.
• Potential Outcomes: Investigation findings to determine if shootings were justified or not.
• Officers' Status: Some have been cleared to return to active duty while others remain on leave pending investigation.

Additional Information

• The case remains under judicial and departmental review, with further legal proceedings expected. Justin Jimenez maintains the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.