In a recent press conference, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) shared full details regarding a deadly deputy-involved shooting that took place on March 6, 2025, in northeast Albuquerque. The incident involved 35-year-old Brian Padilla, who was reported to be experiencing a mental health crisis at the time.
Early Morning Disturbance Call
The situation began around 4 a.m. when deputies were dispatched to a home on the 500 block of Live Oak Place, near Paseo Del Norte and Tramway. The call came from Padilla’s father, who reported that his son was having a mental episode, becoming violent, and destroying property inside their home.
According to BCSO, Padilla had armed himself with items including a table leg, scissors, and a knife. Before deputies arrived, home security footage from neighbors reportedly showed Padilla smashing a vehicle with a rock and stabbing a garage door with either scissors or a knife.
Confrontation with Deputy Ends in Gunfire
When the first deputy arrived, they encountered Padilla outside the home, still holding the knife and scissors. Despite commands to drop the weapons, Padilla reportedly continued walking toward the deputy. At that point, the deputy fired multiple shots, hitting Padilla.
Another deputy arrived within a minute, and both officers began providing medical aid. Padilla was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Prior Mental Health Contacts with Law Enforcement
BCSO officials shared that they had previous interactions with Padilla related to mental health issues. At one time, the department’s behavioral health unit opened a case and worked with Padilla and his father. The sheriff’s office said they had done multiple follow-ups to provide support and resources.
In an earlier incident in March 2025—just days before the shooting—Padilla had called 911 himself. A mobile crisis team was sent, and Padilla reportedly cooperated calmly during that visit. That encounter was the last known contact with Padilla before the shooting occurred.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
The incident raises continuing concerns about how law enforcement handles mental health crises. While deputies acted based on an immediate threat, the case also highlights the complex challenges of dealing with individuals facing ongoing mental health struggles.
As standard procedure, the shooting is under internal investigation, and the identity of the deputy involved has not yet been released. BCSO officials say they will continue to review body camera footage and other evidence related to the incident.
This tragic event once again brings attention to the importance of mental health intervention and the difficult decisions officers must make in the field. The BCSO says it remains committed to providing mental health services and crisis intervention resources, but situations like this show just how critical early and continued support can be.
