HOBBS, N.M. — Two New Mexico State Police Officers were involved in a shooting that left one man dead Jan. 6.
On Jan. 6, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting involving the NMSP.
State Police Agents learned that at approximately 6 pm, two NMSP officers attempted a traffic stop on a white Dodge Charger driven by Jesus Rubio, 28, of Las Cruces, N.M., near 209 Marland Street in Hobbs. Rubio did not initially pull over when officers activated their emergency equipment. Rubio eventually pulled over and opened his door, at which time, officers gave him commands to stay in his vehicle. Rubio ignored the officers’ commands and exited his vehicle. Rubio held his right hand behind his back upon exiting the vehicle. Officers gave him commands to show his hands.
Rubio raised his arms as if pointing a firearm as he walked towards the officers. At this point, both officers fired at least one round from their duty weapons, striking Rubio.
EMS personnel arrived on scene and transported Rubio to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by the Office of the Medical Investigator. No officers were injured during this incident. No firearm was recovered from the scene.
The identity of the NMSP officers will not be released until interviews are completed. The officers have been placed on standard administrative leave. NMSP act solely as factfinders in their investigation and conduct an unbiased and impartial investigation. In officer involved shootings, NMSP thoroughly documents the scene, collects evidence, and interviews officers, subjects, and witnesses. In turn, NMSP compiles facts as detailed as possible and forwards all reports to the appropriate district attorney for their review. The NSP does not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified, this determination rests solely with the district attorney’s office.
