Bodycam Shows Santa Fe Police Shoot Suspected Shoplifter Armed With a Large Knife

 

Santa Fe, New Mexico — On the evening of June 7, 2020, an intense confrontation unfolded in a busy shopping area when Santa Fe Police Department officers responded to reports of a fight involving a knife-wielding man. The incident took place outside the Big R store, located at 725 St. Michaels Drive, and ended with officers firing their weapons to subdue the suspect.

At approximately 6:45 p.m., dispatchers received calls reporting a violent altercation in progress. According to preliminary reports, a male subject had allegedly been confronted by two individuals after attempting to shoplift from the store. The situation escalated when the suspect allegedly attacked both individuals with a knife before police arrived.

Responding officers, Brandon Deets and Cesar Ornelas, were dispatched to the scene. Upon their arrival, they encountered the suspect, later identified as 33-year-old Joseph Galassini, a resident of Santa Fe. Galassini was standing in the parking lot armed with a knife, creating an immediate danger to both officers and bystanders.

According to the Santa Fe Police Department, Officers Deets and Ornelas immediately issued multiple verbal commands instructing Galassini to drop the weapon. Despite the repeated orders, Galassini refused to comply. Instead, he acted aggressively, raising his voice and advancing toward Officer Deets with the knife in hand.

As Officer Deets attempted to maintain distance for his own safety, he began stepping backward. In the process, he tripped over a raised curb, momentarily compromising his balance and position. Recognizing the threat, Officer Ornelas attempted to draw Galassini’s attention away from his fellow officer by loudly commanding him to stop.

Galassini shifted focus toward Officer Ornelas and began moving in his direction while still holding the knife. Witnesses reported that Galassini raised the knife in a threatening manner as he advanced, continuing to yell at the officer. Officer Ornelas retreated across the parking lot, steadily backing up while maintaining a defensive posture. He attempted to keep a safe distance, but Galassini persisted in moving forward.

During this time, Officer Deets managed to regain his footing and attempted to re-engage Galassini verbally. This caused the suspect to turn back toward Deets. Once again, Galassini began walking toward him, this time more aggressively. Both officers later reported that Galassini raised the knife within striking distance, presenting an imminent threat to Officer Deets.

At that critical moment, both Officer Deets and Officer Ornelas discharged their department-issued firearms. Each officer fired at least once, striking Galassini and ending the immediate threat. The officers then quickly secured the knife to prevent further danger.

Additional Santa Fe Police units soon arrived at the scene and assisted with rendering first aid to Galassini. Officers provided medical support until emergency medical responders reached the location. Galassini was transported to a nearby hospital where he received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries sustained in the shooting.

The incident prompted a swift response from police supervisors and investigators, who began reviewing the circumstances leading up to the use of force. As is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings, the actions of both officers will undergo a detailed review to ensure compliance with department policy.

Officials also released background information about the officers involved. Officer Brandon Deets had been serving with the Santa Fe Police Department for approximately four years at the time of the incident. Officer Cesar Ornelas, with 1.5 years of service in the department, also had five years of prior experience working as a corrections officer at the Santa Fe Adult Detention Center.

The confrontation left many in the community shaken, particularly given the busy location of the incident. Shoppers and employees in the area described the scene as chaotic, with people fleeing to safety as the confrontation escalated. The police department emphasized that the officers made repeated attempts to de-escalate the situation verbally, but Galassini’s refusal to drop the knife left them with no option but to use lethal force to protect themselves and others.

The case remains under review, and further details may be released as investigators complete their examination of body camera footage, witness statements, and physical evidence from the scene