The "armed with a handgun" is kind of vague. Was it holstered, held but held down, pointed at the cops?FARMINGTON, N.M. — Officers with the Farmington Police Department were called for a domestic violence report Wednesday night but the officers went to the wrong address.
In a news release, New Mexico State Police said their investigations bureau was requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting that involved the Farmington Police Department.
Farmington Police Department officers were called out to 5308 Valley View Avenue Wednesday around 11:30 p.m. Once on scene, the officers “mistakenly” went to 5305 Valley View Avenue, not 5308 Valley View Avenue.
The officers knocked at the door and announced themselves. There was no answer. The officers then communicated with dispatch and asked them to call the people who reported the domestic call back and to have them meet them at the front of the house, police say.
The homeowner of the wrong address came to the door. The officers identified themselves. The homeowner was identified as Robert Dobson, 52, and according to KOAT, he was armed with a handgun.
Police say officers fired at least one round from their weapon, hitting Dobson.
His wife was also reportedly armed with a handgun and she fired her handgun. Officers fired more gunshots, KOAT reported.
Dobson’s wife put the gun down once she realized that the people outside the house were police officers, police say.
Dobson was shot and died at the scene from his injuries, according to the New Mexico State Police. His wife has not been charged with any crime.
Not placing blame on anyone, just more of a tactical question. If you don't know or not sure if they're really cops and think someone might be a threat to you why open the door at all, armed or not? Why put yourself at a tactical disadvantage if you don't have to?