Written by Officer Ray Wilson 02/24/2022
Hobbs, NM – On February 23, 2022, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was contacted to investigate an officer-involved shooting near 1832 North Turner Drive involving the Hobbs Police Department (HPD).
State Police investigators learned that on February 23, 2022, at around 10:29 p.m., an HPD 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 male in the Dodge, later identified as Daniel Ramirez, 27, and a female later identified as Janessa Perez, 28, both of Hobbs, NM evaded the officer and ran away.
The officer chased Ramirez towards the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot. At some point during the foot pursuit, gunfire was exchanged between Ramirez and the officer. The officer was struck by gunfire and was transported to an area hospital with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. The suspect sustained gunshot injuries and was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
During the foot pursuit and OIS, Janessa Perez stole a second HPD police unit that had arrived on the scene. Perez crashed the HPD unit into the Wells Fargo drive-thru and then fled on foot. She has not been apprehended.
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. 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. That decision rests with the district attorney’s office. This incident remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.
For information on the HPD officer, his duty status, and condition, please contact HPD. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Janessa Perez is asked to call the New Mexico State Police at (575) 382-2500 or Hobbs Police Department at (575) 397-9265.
