2/24/22 Hobbs, NM – Stranded Vehicle Stop – Male And Female Run – Foot Chase – Gun Fire Exchange With Male Suspect – Officer Hit – Suspect Killed – Female Returns To Second Patrol Car – Steals It – Crashes Hobbs Patrol Car At Bank – Captured

New Mexico State Police are investigating after a suspect was killed and an officer was injured in a shooting Wednesday night in Hobbs.

Police say another suspect, 28-year-old Janessa Perez of Hobbs, fled from the confrontation Wednesday night and remains at large, according to statements from Hobbs police and the New Mexico State Police.

The incident began about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday when Hobbs police approached what they believed was a stranded vehicle in the 1900 block of North Turner Drive.

According to the New Mexico State Police, the officer made contact with a black Dodge dually pickup truck that was stopped in the roadway on Turner Drive and was partially in the entrance of the Valero Convenience store.  A man in the Dodge, later identified as 27-year-old Daniel Ramirez, and a woman later identified as Perez are accused of evading the officer and running away.

The officer chased Ramirez toward the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot.  At some point during the foot pursuit, gunfire was exchanged between Ramirez and the officer. The officer, who was not immediately identified, was struck by gunfire and was taken to an area hospital with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.

Officers on scene began rendering aid to Ramirez, and Hobbs EMS responded to the scene. He was taken to Covenant Hospital and later died. 

During the course of this incident, Perez was detained in handcuffs. As this incident unfolded and officers began rendering aid, police say Perez was able to access a second police vehicle that arrived at the scene the area.

Perez crashed the HPD unit into the Wells Fargo drive-through and then fled on foot. She had not been arrested by late Thursday.

Citizens are advised to not approach Perez but to contact local law enforcement if they are aware of her whereabouts.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the New Mexico State Police at 505-629-7104.

Per Hobbs Police Department policy, the New Mexico State Police were contacted and are conducting this investigation.

The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews, according to a statement from state police.

Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the district attorney for their review and consideration.

“The New Mexico State Police acts solely as factfinders in its cases and does not determine whether the actions of an officer were justified in these types of matters,” reads the statement. “That decision rests with the district attorney’s office. This incident remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.”