Despite the dry conditions, New Mexico residents are encouraged to participate in outdoor activities. Last week a joint press conference was held to remind New Mexicans state parks and recreation facilities are opened throughout the state.

New Mexico is experiencing a drought with precipitation lower than normal. State Engineer Scott Verhines said La Niña is to blame for the dry winter months, but weather patterns should change during the summer.

(Warning: The video contains a graphic image)

The picture of suspected copper thief Dennis Vega isn't pretty.

Los Lunas police provided a photo and in it, you can see burns on his face and chest.

Vega is now recovering in the hospital. Authorities says Vega was shocked when he tried to steal copper Friday night from a shed at the Merillat Cabinet Factory. The facility has been closed for about a year now.

The shed was burned inside and out from the incident.

"Mr. Vega is extremely lucky to be alive right now," said Los Lunas Police Lieutenant Vince Torres.

Police say they hope copper thieves will think twice about committing the crime after seeing the photo of what happened to Vega.

New Mexico State Police said a Los Lunas man was fatally shot by a Valencia County sheriff's deputy after the man fled and swung a metal pipe at deputies on Thursday.

State Police Lt. Robert McDonald said Gabriel Martinez, 24, died after he was airlifted to UNM Hospital.

McDonald said the incident started as a neighbor dispute in the county just outside Los Lunas.

When Valencia County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived on the scene Martinez ran, picked up a metal pipe and started to swing it at deputies.

That's when a deputy shot the Los Lunas man, McDonald said.

The shooting occurred on Lakeview Street behind the Smith's grocery store off N.M. 6 in Valencia County near Los Lunas.

Albert Montoya, a childhood friend of Martinez, said he wished deputies would have tried another way to get Martinez to back down.