A reckless driver was arrested following a police-involved shooting on Sunday in Santa Fe, which led to the cancellation of the Desfile de la Gente parade, authorities confirmed.
According to Santa Fe police, the incident took place near downtown Santa Fe Plaza around 10:30 a.m., hours before the popular parade was set to begin at 1 p.m.
The identity of the suspect, including their name and age, was not immediately available on Sunday.
“We had an individual crashing into cars recklessly, confronting the police, and leading them on a chase,” Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber told the Santa Fe New Mexican. “Police fired shots, and the suspect was apprehended and taken into custody. Unfortunately, he ruined the day for everyone else.”
New Mexico State Police stated that both the Santa Fe Police Department and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office were involved in the shooting.
State Police confirmed that no officers were injured, but the suspect was wounded during the incident.
Dan Shipp, a witness, told reporters he was half a block from the plaza when he saw a white pickup truck making erratic turns before breaking through a barricade. Shipp recalled hearing “six or seven shots” but was unsure whether they came from the police or the suspect.
Hundreds of people had gathered at the plaza, setting up tents along the parade route to sell items such as trinkets and rugs, Shipp noted.
“Everything has been shut down now,” he said, mentioning that all other scheduled events at the plaza were also canceled.
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According to the event’s website, the purpose of the parade is to offer fun, relaxation, and cultural enjoyment to Santa Fe residents and visitors. The parade is also known as the Santa Fe Fiesta Historical/Hysterical Parade.
