SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is conducting an independent investigation into a fatal officer-involved shooting in Hobbs early Thursday morning that left a 40-year-old man dead following a confrontation with a Hobbs Police Department officer.
According to New Mexico State Police, the shooting occurred at approximately 12:59 a.m. Thursday, October 15, near North Thorp Street and West Alston Street.
Investigators identified the deceased man as Saul Licon, 40.
State Police reported that a Hobbs police officer encountered Licon riding a bicycle and attempted to stop him for reasons that have not yet been determined.
Licon reportedly fled on the bicycle, traveling through several streets before entering an alleyway.
After entering the alley, Licon got off the bicycle and attempted to flee on foot.
The officer exited the patrol vehicle and ordered Licon to stop. According to the preliminary investigation, Licon did not comply, and a physical struggle followed.
During the confrontation, the officer discharged a department-issued handgun, striking Licon.
Officers immediately provided medical assistance and requested emergency medical services.
Licon was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
State Police investigators reported recovering a firearm at the scene. However, authorities have not disclosed the circumstances surrounding the weapon or whether it played a role in the confrontation.
Those details remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Investigators also determined that Licon had three active arrest warrants involving allegations of aggravated assault on a peace officer, battery upon a peace officer, possession of a firearm or destructive device by a convicted felon, and narcotics-related offenses.
Authorities have not indicated whether the officer was aware of those warrants when the initial encounter occurred.
The New Mexico State Police will not release the identity of the officer involved in the shooting.
Questions concerning the officer’s duty status or any administrative actions are being referred to the Hobbs Police Department.
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is conducting the investigation at the request of the Hobbs Police Department.
Once the investigation is completed, the findings will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for review and a determination regarding the officer’s actions.
State Police have not announced a timeline for completing the investigation.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, and no determination regarding the justification for the use of deadly force has been announced.
Any criminal allegations referenced in the outstanding warrants are accusations, and individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications, LLC – john@bravomic.com
