Bloomfield man shot and killed by police was under investigation for child sexual assault

9-21-2014 New Mexico:

Search warrant sheds light on fatal, officer-involved shooting of John Rogers

AZTEC — The 61-year-old Bloomfield man shot by a police officer in late August was under investigation for multiple counts of criminal sexual penetration of minors at the time of his death, according to a search warrant affidavit.

Bloomfield Police Chief Randy Foster confirmed that John Rogers was under investigation by his department on suspicion of child sexual assault. He said that for legal reasons, he could not discuss the specifics of the case.

Jonathan Rogers, John Rogers' son, referred questions to the family's attorney, Brendan O'Reilly of Albuquerque. O'Reilly said he had no comment on the investigation.

The affidavit, issued Aug. 28 to investigators from the New Mexico State Police, sheds new light on the shooting of John Rogers at his home on 414 Ruth Lane.

Two officers from the Bloomfield Police Department were dispatched to the residence at 10:18 a.m. on Aug. 27, after receiving reports of a suicidal man.



Officer Andy Darby made contact with Rogers outside the residence near the driver's side of Rogers' vehicle, according to a New Mexico State Police press release. Darby has worked for the Bloomfield Police Department for seven years, the release states.

The affidavit states the second officer, who has not been identified, observed Darby make an abrupt movement, as if he were attempting to pull Rogers away from his vehicle. He said Darby issued commands to Rogers, and then the second officer heard "at least two gunshots," the affidavit states.

Rogers' gun, a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, was found underneath the truck, the affidavit states. The second officer placed handcuffs on Rogers, who had suffered several injuries, and reported to dispatch that shots had been fired.

Arriving officers rendered aid and requested emergency medical assistance for Rogers, according to the release. He later died at San Juan County Regional Medical Center.

New Mexico State Police investigators seized Rogers' gun and a black handgun magazine loaded with nine bullets, among other items, according to the search warrant.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Brent Capshaw said that his office should receive a final report on the shooting in two to three weeks. His office will make a determination on whether to prosecute the officer involved in the incident once the report is received. ..Source.. by Steve Garrison