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State Police kill man who appeared to pretend to point gun during Hobbs traffic stop
New Mexico State Police officers fatally Jesus Rubio, 28, of Las Cruces, during a traffic stop in Hobbs Monday evening.
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Dash camera video showed a man took a shooting stance and raised his arms as if holding a gun before being shot by New Mexico State Police on Monday during a traffic stop in Hobbs.
Jesus Rubio, 28, of Las Cruces, died after being brought to a hospital.
No gun was found on or near Rubio and no officers were injured in the incident, New Mexico State Police spokesperson Wilson Silver said in a release Tuesday.
The two officers who fired at Rubio have been placed on administrative leave, he said. Silver did not identify the officers.
Just after 6 p.m., New Mexico State Police pulled over a Dodge Charger on Highway 180 in Hobbs, he said. Officers gave the driver, Rubio, commands to stay in his vehicle.
Instead, Rubio got out and held his right hand behind his back. After officers ordered Rubio to show his hands, he “raised his arms as if pointing a firearm,” Silver said. As he walked toward police, two officers fired “at least one round” each, hitting Rubio.
First responders took Rubio to a hospital where he died, Silver said.
“In officer-involved shootings, NMSP thoroughly documents the scene, collects evidence, and interviews officers, subjects, and witnesses,” Silver said. “In turn, NMSP compiles facts as detailed as possible and forwards all reports to the appropriate district attorney for their review. The New Mexico State Police does not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified, this determination rests solely with the district attorney’s office.”
