The Hobbs Police Department is on the lookout for a murder suspect, Steven A. Salazar accused of shooting and killing a man. Salazar had been previously arrested on a drug charge.
The victim, Arnulfo Barrientos-Ibarra of Hobbs, was found dead at the scene from an apparent gunshot wound. He was 26 years old. Salazar was not at the scene when police arrived at 3:48 am early Thursday morning.
” Investigators learned that 30 year old Steven Salazar, of Hobbs, allegedly shot Ibarra and left the scene prior to Officers arriving,” according to a media release from the HPD. The public is asked to report any relevant information on the incident or Salazar’s location by calling the HPD at at 575-397-9265 or Lea County Crime Stoppers at 575-393-8005. “You can also private message our Facebook page and remain anonymous,” the HPD said.
Police arrested Salazar earlier this month in connection with another shooting which occurred in April. The victim from that shooting identified Salazar as the shooter. He had been shot four times.
Following that arrest, Salazar was released on a $3,000 unsecured bond by Hobbs Magistrate Judge Willie Henry. Shortly after, he was arrested yet again by Hobbs police on a felony drug charge. He was found in possession of a baggy containing 1.3 grams of heroin. Salazar reportedly told officers, “I’m an addict, man.”
Salazar was again released on bond by Judge Henry.
