Christopher Rojas, age 17, of Hobbs is currently being held at the Lea County Detention Center after an “officer-involved shooting”. The incident occurred on Saturday, near the intersection of East Alameda Street and North Marland Boulevard in Hobbs, and involved several people.
According to a New Mexico Department of Public Safety (NMDPS) press release, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau (NMSPIB) is investigating the incident.
The press release states that the Hobbs Police Department (HPD) “…received a call [on Saturday, March 25, around 1:50 p.m.] about a fight involving several people. After the altercation, one suspect fled on foot, and the other subject, later identified as Christopher Rojas (17) of Hobbs, drove away in a stolen 2015 Dodge Charger. A HPD officer located the Dodge and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Rojas drove towards the officer’s unit, crashing into a parked vehicle in the process.”
The press release continues that the HPD officer exited his vehicle, and “Rojas accelerated again, towards the officer. The officer discharged at least one round from his department issued sidearm, striking Rojas who then stopped, exited, and was taken into custody.”
Then, while handcuffed and under arrest Rojas “fled from the [HPD] officers on foot”. An on-foot pursuit by officers for Rojas ensued, during which “…another HPD officer was injured.” After being apprehended and taken into custody again, Rojas was “…transported to an area hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.” Later Rojas was transferred to the New Mexico State Police.
Names of Police Officers Have Not Been Released
The names of the HPD officers involved in the incident have not been disclosed. The injured HPD officer was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries and then released. According to Fox34.com, the public should contact the HPD for information about the “duty status” of and/or “administrative actions taken” regarding the officers involved in the incident.
In its press release the NMDPS notes that NMSPIB “…agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews.” These findings “…will be shared with the district attorney for review.”
The press release also points out that the NMSP “acts solely as a factfinder in its cases and does not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified….” The district attorney’s office is tasked with making such decisions.
Rojas is currently being held at the Lea County Detention Center on previous charges including “shooting at or from a motor vehicle; probation violation (nationwide no bond warrant); unlawful carrying of a handgun by a person under the age of 19; and resisting evading or obstructing an officer,” states an article published by KTSM 9 News, El Paso, Texas. The NMSP confirms that Rojas will be charged regarding the March 26 incident after further investigation and interviews.
