Suspect Wanted After Officer Fires Shot During Hobbs Pursuit

HOBBS, N.M. — The New Mexico State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place early Monday morning after Hobbs Police attempted to stop a suspect during a traffic stop.

The suspect, identified as Justin Marshall Williams, 40, of Hobbs, reportedly fled from police around 2:48 a.m. on May 5 when officers first tried to pull over his Ford pickup truck. According to a press release, police found the truck parked outside a home on West White Street a few minutes later.

When officers attempted a second traffic stop, Williams allegedly tried to flee again, this time hitting a Hobbs Police patrol car. At least one officer then fired their weapon, though it is unclear if Williams or his vehicle was hit. Williams got away and has not been found as of Tuesday morning.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Williams. He is facing several charges, including Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, Aggravated Fleeing, Criminal Damage to Property, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident. He also has another active warrant for Resisting and Evading an Officer and Concealing Identity from a previous case.

Police are asking anyone who may know where Williams is to call 911.

The officer involved in the shooting has not been publicly identified. The Hobbs Police Department will handle any updates related to the officer, including their duty status and any internal actions taken.

The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is leading the case and says it will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and submit the findings to the district attorney, who will decide whether the officer’s use of force was justified.