Clovis, NM – New Mexico State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting after authorities said a 44-year-old man allegedly opened fire on a Curry County sheriff’s deputy during a pursuit that began in Clovis and ended with an arrest in Bailey County, Texas.
According to New Mexico State Police, the incident began around 12:26 p.m. Sunday after Clovis police received a report that a white Cadillac Escalade was following a white Ford pickup. Police were also alerted to a civilian shooting near 14th Street and Mitchell Street.
Authorities said the Escalade was later seen chasing the pickup before a Curry County sheriff’s deputy initiated a pursuit.
During the chase, the Escalade driver, identified by police as Eugenio Ibarra, 44, allegedly fired multiple rounds toward the deputy near Fifth Street and Merriwether Street. The deputy returned fire with a department-issued rifle, state police said.
Neither Ibarra nor the deputy was injured during the exchange of gunfire, according to investigators.
Clovis police officers and Curry County sheriff’s deputies continued pursuing Ibarra as he allegedly fled into Bailey County, Texas. State police said Ibarra allegedly fired toward officers multiple times during the pursuit. No officers were reported injured.
Ibarra was ultimately taken into custody in Bailey County, where authorities said he faces additional charges.
New Mexico State Police are working with the 9th Judicial District Attorney’s Office regarding charges connected to the officer-involved shooting.
State police said investigators are collecting evidence and conducting interviews to independently determine the sequence of events. The agency acts as a fact-finder and does not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified. That determination rests with the district attorney’s office.
The investigation remains ongoing.
