Hobbs Man and Accomplice Arrested After Shooting and Robbery

HOBBS, NM – Two men have been arrested in connection with a shooting and robbery on January 2 in Hobbs, New Mexico.

At around 8:22 a.m., Hobbs Police responded to a dispatch call about a woman who had been shot near the intersection of Sanger Street and Grimes Street.

EMS quickly arrived and took the woman to Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital. She was later flown to a Texas hospital, where her injuries were confirmed to be non-life-threatening, according to a press release.

After investigating, police determined that the shooting happened near the intersection of East Skelly Street and South Thorp Street. Jesus Rodriguez-Lopez, 28, also known as “Chuy,” was later identified as the shooter and fled the scene along with 20-year-old Ezekiel Cruz-Mendoza before officers arrived.

While authorities were investigating the shooting, a robbery was reported near the 800 block of South Leech Street. It was found that Rodriguez-Lopez had pointed a gun at a man in front of his home, threatened him, and then stole his car. Detectives tracked down the stolen vehicle and found Rodriguez-Lopez, who was with Mendoza.

Further investigation revealed that before the robbery, “Chuy” had also threatened another person with a gun near the 1300 block of South Hannah Street. The release stated he forced that person to drive him to the location where the robbery occurred.

Both men were arrested, and Rodriguez-Lopez is facing charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, shooting from a vehicle, armed robbery, kidnapping, and tampering with evidence. Mendoza is charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.

According to the Hobbs Police Department, Rodriguez-Lopez has a history of criminal offenses, including several counts of failure to appear, resisting arrest, and battery on a peace officer. Mendoza also has a criminal record with multiple charges related to resisting officers and burglary.

This investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information is released.