Crime
19-year-old Ishmael Rios killed in Hobbs shooting, suspect Michael Alonzo Wynne Garcia at large
A shooting in the 800 block of East Lincoln in Hobbs, New Mexico, on Friday night resulted in one fatality and another person injured, according to the Hobbs Police Department (HPD).
The suspect remains at large.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire and arrived at the scene to find two individuals suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Emergency medical services provided immediate aid and transported both victims to Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital.
One victim was later airlifted to a medical facility in Texas for further treatment and has since been released.
The second victim, identified as 19-year-old Ishmael Rios of Hobbs, succumbed to his injuries.
Through the course of the investigation, HPD identified the suspected shooter as 20-year-old Michael Alonzo Wynne Garcia.
Officers attempted to apprehend Garcia, but he fled the scene at a high rate of speed in a red Toyota Camry bearing New Mexico license plate TYL7444.
Garcia is currently wanted on multiple charges, including murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and aggravated fleeing from a law enforcement officer.
An arrest warrant has been issued, and law enforcement agencies are actively searching for him.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities urge anyone with information regarding Garciaโs whereabouts to contact the Hobbs Police Department at 575-397-9265 or Lea County Crime Stoppers at 575-393-8005. Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.
Crime
17-Year-Old Javohn Pitts Critically Injured in Accidental Shooting During FaceTime Call in Elsmere, Kentucky
A 17-year-old teenager, identified as Javohn Pitts, remains in critical condition after being shot in the head during an incident involving a handgun at a residence in Elsmere, Kentucky, on Saturday. Police say the shooting appears to have occurred while two juveniles were showing the firearm to others during a FaceTime call.
The incident prompted an emergency response in Northern Kentucky and left the teenager with potentially life-threatening injuries. He was transported by helicopter to a Cincinnati hospital, where he continues to receive medical treatment.
According to the Elsmere Police Department, officers were dispatched to a reported shooting in the 100 block of Garvey Avenue early Saturday afternoon.
When first responders arrived, they found Javohn Pitts suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Due to the seriousness of his injuries, emergency personnel arranged for him to be airlifted to University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Pitts remains hospitalized in critical condition, according to the information provided by police. Authorities have not released further details about his medical condition or prognosis.
During their investigation, police recovered a 9mm handgun from the residence.
Investigators believe the shooting happened while Pitts and another juvenile, who was acquainted with him, were displaying the handgun to other people during a FaceTime call. At some point during the incident, the firearm discharged, striking Pitts in the head.
Although the incident is being described as an apparent accidental shooting, authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the discharge and the events leading up to it.
A juvenile suspect was subsequently arrested in connection with the incident. Police reported that the suspect was acquainted with Pitts and has been charged with second-degree assault with a deadly weapon.
Because the individual is a juvenile, authorities have not publicly released the suspectโs identity.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information about the incident may be released as authorities continue reviewing the evidence.
Police are asking anyone who may have information about the shooting to contact the Kenton County Emergency Communication Center at 859-356-3191 or the Elsmere Police Department at 859-474-4785.
Information from witnesses or anyone familiar with the circumstances may help investigators establish a clearer account of what happened inside the Garvey Avenue residence.
At just 17 years old, Javohn Pitts is facing a serious medical battle following the shooting. His critical condition has left those who care about him hoping for positive news as he receives treatment.
The incident is also a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with handling firearms, particularly when a weapon is displayed or handled without proper safety precautions. A firearm can discharge unexpectedly, with consequences that may permanently change lives.
As the investigation continues, thoughts remain with Javohn Pitts, his family, and everyone hoping for his recovery. May he receive the care and support he needs during this difficult time.