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Video: Suspect posing as security officer opens fire, turned gun on himself

Shayne Romero turned his weapon on himself after a gunbattle with police

By Police1 Staff

ROSWELL, N.M. — Police released video Wednesday of a gunbattle between officers and a suspect which ended after the suspect fatally shot himself.

Police told KRQE an officer was patrolling near a Motel 6 as an effort to combat increasing car break-ins when he found a stolen vehicle in the parking lot.

The video shows Shayne Romero, who was dressed in a security uniform, tell the officer the vehicle was his. Police said when the officer questioned further Romero fled.

“As the suspect was trying to elude the officer, he pulled a gun from somewhere on his person,” police spokesperson Todd Wildermuth said.

When Romero opened fire, the officer fired back, wounding Romero twice in the leg and shoulder, according to KRQE. No officers were injured.

Backup arrived and repeatedly demanded Romero drop his weapon. Police said Romero did not comply and turned the gun on himself. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

After a check with the security company affiliated with the uniform, investigators believe it was stolen. Police are investigating why Romero was wearing the security uniform.

Officials told the news station a woman in the stolen car fled and is still at large.