HOBBS, N.M. — A Hobbs Walmart employee identified as Jordan Ruiz, 24, was killed after a shooting in the store’s parking lot on Thursday morning, according to the Hobbs Police Department.
HPD said officers were called to 3800 North Lovington Highway at 2:07 a.m.
Ruiz was found in the parking lot with a gunshot wound and taken to Covenant Hobbs Hospital where he later died, according to police. HPD stated in a press release, “Preliminary investigation possibly reveals that this is not a random act of violence, and the suspect may have known the victim.”
The Walmart announced it would be closed on Thursday and Friday. The store said in a social media post, “We apologize for the inconvenience.”
Walmart released the following statement to EverythingLubbock.com:
We’re saddened by the loss of one of our associates in such a tragic way and offer our condolences to his loved ones. Our store will remain temporarily closed as we offer mental health resources to associates affected by this incident. We’ll continue working closely with law enforcement during their investigation.
Walmart Media Relations
Police said an investigation was ongoing. HPD Captain Chad Wright said in a brief press conference Thursday afternoon, “Investigations like this often require the help of the public.”
Wright asked for potential witnesses to come forward. He also asked that nearby businesses and homeowners check their security cameras for any suspicious activity. According to Wright, the suspect’s vehicle left the area southbound on Camino Real. EverythingLubbock.com reached out to HPD for a description of the suspect’s vehicle.
Anyone with information was asked to call dispatch at (575)-397-9265 or contact Lea County Crime Stoppers at (575)-393-8005.
See below for more information.
The following is a press release from the Hobbs Police Department:
On May 18th, 2023, around 2:07 am, officers with the Hobbs Police Department responded to Walmart, 3800 N. Lovington Hwy. in reference to a subject that had been shot. Upon arrival, officers located the victim, Jordan Ruiz (24-years-old of Hobbs) in the parking lot suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Hobbs EMS arrived on scene and the victim was transported to the Covenant Hobbs Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Preliminary investigation possibly reveals that this is not a random act of violence, and the suspect may have known the victim.
This investigation is ongoing and further details will be released when they become available.
If you have any information regarding this incident or any other crimes, you can report it by calling dispatch at (575)397-9265, or contact Lea County Crime Stoppers at (575) 393-8005 (you may be eligible for a cash reward). You can also message us privately on Facebook, just understand that our Facebook page is not monitored in real-time and is not a good avenue to report real-time crime.
End of release
