Was Inside A Trailer When Officers Opened Fire On Another Person

The longtime launch director of the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, NM, Michael LaPlante has been killed in an officer-involved shooting at a KOA campground in Bernalillo, NM just north of Albuquerque.

Television station KOB reports Bernalillo Police responded to reports of gunshots being fired inside a trailer at the campground on Labor Day. When they arrived, 70-year-old Fernand Lete came out of the trailer armed with a handgun. A BPD officer fired an unknown number of shots at Lete, but it is not know if he was hit at that time.

Lete barricaded himself inside the trailer. New Mexico State Police were called to assist, and they were able to get a picture inside the trailer, where they observed two men who appeared to be deceased. One of those was LaPlante, 55. It is not known if he was shot by Lete or was hit by the gunfire from the police officer.

A revolver was reportedly found near Lete's body, according to the NMSP. It is not known if his injuries were self inflicted, or if he was hit by rounds fired by the BPD officer.

Television station KOAT reports that a spokesperson from the Balloon Fiesta released the following statement:

"The events in Bernalillo are tragic. Mike LaPlante was a long time Launch Director, his regular involvement and contributions will be missed. Mike helped Balloon Fiesta to be successful and will be missed by our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those impacted by Monday night’s events.”

The investigation is ongoing.

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report, Source report