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Fatal Shooting Of Officer Rocks Rio Rancho

https://www.facebook.com/RioRanchoPolice

The fatal shooting of a police officer by a suspect described as a known gang member has shaken the normally quiet bedroom community of Rio Rancho.

Officials say residents are "jolted" in this the Albuquerque suburb where people move to escape city life and where officers patrol alone in vehicles.

Police say 28-year-old Andrew Romero shot and killed Officer Gregg Benner on Monday in what started off as a routine traffic stop.

Authorities say Romero was later arrested in Albuquerque's South Valley after robbing a gas station.

It's the city's first fatal shooting of an officer in Rio Rancho's 34 year history.

Rio Rancho City Councilor Dawnn Robinson says the shooting has hit the city hard because people view to their community as a safe, small town.

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