Franklin tapped to lead HPD Christina Holt/News-Sun After a months-long hiring process that included input from an advisory committee and a public meet-and-greet, David Franklin has been picked as the next chief of police for the City of Hobbs. “I am pleased to announce that I have selected Mr. David Franklin as the City of Hobbs’ next Police Chief,” City …

Bridging the communication gap Steps to get case updates with HPD Christina Holt/News-Sun Filing a police report with the Hobbs Police Department can be perceived as a challenging and often frustrating process for some, leading them to question whether it’s worth the time. Investigations take time and getting updates can be complicated, especially since the department is facing staffing shortages. …

LCDTF fentanyl bust Christina Holt/News-Sun The Lea County Drug Task Force partnered with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency recently in the seizure of 150,000 fentanyl pills — the largest single fentanyl bust in DEA history. Alex Anthony Martinez and Bruce Sedillo were reportedly regional managers within a multi-state drug trafficking organization based in Albuquerque and reportedly led by Heriberto Salazar …

Law enforcement staffing crisis in SENM Christina Holt/News-Sun The Hobbs Police Department has a 33 percent vacancy rate for certified officers. But where does this stand in comparison in the region of southeastern New Mexico? The challenge of recruiting officers is not just a local issue but one that is felt throughout the nation. In a nationwide survey, 70 percent …

Jury finds Rey Ruiz guilty in 2023 Walmart shooting Caleb A. Gallegos/News-Sun After deliberating for a short time Thursday, a Lea County jury found Rey Ochoa Ruiz guilty of second-degree murder and attempt to commit armed robbery in the murder of then 24-year-old Jordan Ruiz. Rey Ruiz was charged in Fifth Judicial District Court with first-degree murder and attempt to …

Officers in vehicle crash were headed to call for suspect with a gun Caleb A. Gallegos/News-Sun After being recognized by Hobbs Police officers for an outstanding warrant, a Hobbs man led HPD officers on a foot chase with a gun and allegedly pointed the gun at officers in the process of being detained. That foot chase and gun triggered a …

Estrada takes plea agreement in nude video scandal Charges dismissed for other defendants Christina Holt/News-Sun LOVINGTON — A deputy with the Lea County Sheriff’s Office who’s currently on administrative leave took the fall Wednesday for the three other law enforcement officers accused of sending a nude video of a fellow deputy to other law enforcement officers. Sonia Estrada entered into …

Teens arrested for high speed chase and guns charges Caleb A. Gallegos/News-Sun Hobbs teens were arrested Saturday after leading Lea County Sheriff’s Office deputies on a high speed chase in a stolen vehicle reportedly going 111 mph, then allegedly disposing of a stolen gun later found and used by a 5-year-old child. A 15-year-old male was arrested July 6, and …

Teens arrested for high speed chase and guns charges Caleb A. Gallegos/News-Sun Hobbs teens were arrested Saturday after leading Lea County Sheriff’s Office deputies on a high speed chase in a stolen vehicle reportedly going 111 mph, then allegedly disposing of a stolen gun later found and used by a 5-year-old child. A 15-year-old male was arrested July 6, and …

NRA files legal challenge to New Mexico waiting period law News-Sun Staff Report The National Rifle Association has filed a lawsuit in federal district court in New Mexico, challenging the state’s new seven-day waiting period law for firearm purchases that went into effect Wednesday. The lawsuit, Ortega v. Grisham, was filed in collaboration with the Mountain States Legal Foundation. New …