CLOVIS – A pursuit that began in Clovis and included multiple exchanges of gunfire between a suspect and law enforcement officers ended across the state line in Texas, according to the New Mexico State Police.
The incident began around 12:26 p.m. Sunday, August 23, when the Clovis Police Department received a report that a white Cadillac Escalade was following a white Ford pickup.
State Police investigators said the occupants of the Ford were driving toward the Clovis Police Department while being pursued by the Escalade following a reported civilian shooting near 14th and Mitchell streets.
A Curry County Sheriff’s Office deputy spotted the Escalade chasing the pickup and initiated a pursuit.
During the chase, State Police said the driver of the Escalade, identified as 44-year-old Eugenio Ibarra, fired multiple rounds toward the deputy near 5th and Merriwether streets. The deputy returned fire with a department-issued rifle.
Neither Ibarra nor the deputy was injured during the exchange.
Clovis police officers and Curry County sheriff’s deputies continued pursuing Ibarra as he fled into Bailey County, Texas. Investigators said Ibarra fired toward pursuing officers multiple times during the chase. No officers were reported injured.
Ibarra was eventually taken into custody in Bailey County, where authorities said he faces additional charges.
New Mexico State Police is working with the 9th Judicial District Attorney’s Office regarding potential charges stemming from the officer-involved shooting.
The deputy involved will not be identified by State Police. Information regarding the deputy’s duty status or any administrative action is being handled by the Curry County Sheriff’s Office.
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is independently investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Evidence and interviews gathered during the investigation will be provided to the district attorney for review.
State Police emphasized that its role in an officer-involved shooting investigation is to determine the facts and circumstances of the incident. The district attorney’s office is responsible for determining whether an officer’s use of force was legally justified.
The investigation remains ongoing.
By John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications News – John@bravomic.com
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