Man in NM shootout was wanted in prior shooting

Published 9:38 am Tuesday, July 17, 2012

DULCE, N.M.  — New Mexico State Police say a man who died in a gas station shootout with police was the same person who was wanted in another shooting last week near Dulce.

Lt. Robert McDonald said late Monday that the state coroner identified the dead man as 48-year-old Rex Michael Sherwood of Minnesota. A cause of death was not released.

Authorities say Sherwood had a rifle and opened fire on state and Jicarilla tribal police officers on Sunday.

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Police say that just days before, he was pulled over and fired between 30 and 40 rounds at officers before escaping.

Police say Sherwood’s license plate and registration are from New Hampshire.