One man shot, killed by deputies in Artesia incident

By Sarah Matott
smatott@currentargus.com @SarahMatott224 on Twitter
POSTED: 09/01/2015 06:04:05 PM MDT 0 COMMENTS

ARTESIA >> A man was shot and killed and a federal agent was shot and wounded Tuesday morning after an altercation, officials said.

According to a news release from the Eddy County Sheriff's Department, the incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m.
Michael Todd Evan, 47, was pronounced dead at the scene after "(he) was fatally shot after he opened fire on officers who went to his residence to execute a warrant authorizing his arrest," the release said.

The Eddy County Sheriff's Office, Pecos Valley Drug Task Force, Carlsbad Police Department and other federal agencies were carrying out an arrest warrant in the 1800 block of West Feather in Artesia.

"While executing this arrest warrant law enforcement officers were fired upon by an occupant of that residence," the release said.

Officers returned fire, "subduing" the individual who they said first fired upon them, the release said.

Another news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office at the Department of Justice said a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent was shot and injured but his injuries are non-lethal.

ATF is a federal law enforcement agency that specializes in illegal activities surrounding drugs, firearms and explosives.

Local law enforcement agencies were assisting with the federal arrest operation, that release said.

Commander James McCormick with the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force said he was unable to release any additional information outside of the news release that was sent out.

This is part of normal procedures within the Department of Justice, he said.

The incident is currently under investigation by the New Mexico State Police Detective Division and no additional information was available as of Tuesday afternoon.

Sarah Matott can be reached at 575-628-5546.

http://www.currentargus.com/carlsbad...tesia-incident