Lovington Leader

07/04/2025

06/14/2025

06/12/2025

06/10/2025

👀⛈Keep an eye out for weather alerts today! A storm has already produced hail in the Permian Basin, with more activity expected later. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect through 9 PM CDT / 8 PM MDT. Stay weather aware!⛈👀
THREATS: Large to very large hail (up to 2.5") and damaging wind gusts to 70 mph will be possible.

06/08/2025

***PRESS RELEASE***
SHOOTING IN HOBBS - SUSPECT AT LARGE - JUNE 7, 2025

On June 6th, 2025, officers with the Hobbs Police Department responded to a call of shots fired in the area of the 800 block of East Lincoln in Hobbs, NM.

When officers arrived, they located two subjects with apparent gunshot wounds. EMS arrived on the scene and transported both subjects to Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital. One subject was flown to a Texas hospital, where he was later released. The second subject, Ismael Rios, a 19-year-old male of Hobbs, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Officers were able to gather information on the suspect, identified as 20-year-old Michael Alonzo Wynne Garcia. Officers located Mr. Garcia inside his vehicle a few blocks away from the area. When ordering Mr. Garcia out of his vehicle, he fled at a high rate of speed. Mr. Garcia is still at large.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Mr. Garcia on the following charges:

- Murder – 1st degree felony
- Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon – 3rd degree felony
- Aggravated Fleeing a Law Enforcement Officer – 4th degree felony

Mr. Garcia was last seen driving a red Toyota Camry bearing a Texas license plate TYL7444, registered to Michael Garcia.

This investigation is ongoing. If you have any information regarding this incident or the whereabouts of Mr. Garcia, please contact police immediately at (575) 397-9265. You may also anonymously contact Lea County Crime Stoppers at (575) 393-8005 and could be eligible for a cash reward.
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06/05/2025

A Tornado Watch is in effect for southeast New Mexico and the northern Permian Basin where the highest potential for tornadoes will exist through this evening. Areas to the south will be covered by a Severe Thunderstorm Watch. As the graphic says, have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings!

05/29/2025

Storms have already developed across southeast New Mexico. These storms are expected to intensify as they move further to the east across far southeastern NM and northern Permian Basin. Check out the estimated timing and potential hazards of these storms below 👇

05/19/2025

UPDATE 5/19/2025 at 1739 hours

He has been located and is home safe with family.

🚨 Missing Person Alert 🚨
The Lovington Police Department needs your help locating Octavio Rios Aranda.
He was last seen leaving his home this morning at 10:59 AM near 2nd and K Street. He suffers from Alzheimer’s.

DOB: 04/30/1945
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 120 lbs
Clothing: Levi jeans and a gray/tan shirt

If you see him or know of his whereabouts, please contact LPD immediately at 396-2811.
Please share to help bring him home safely.

⸻

🚨 Alerta de Persona Desaparecida 🚨
El Departamento de Policía de Lovington necesita su ayuda para localizar a Octavio Rios Aranda.
Fue visto por última vez saliendo de su casa esta mañana a las 10:59 AM cerca de la calle 2nd y K. Él padece de Alzheimer.

Fecha de nacimiento: 04/30/1945
Estatura: 5’9” (1.75 m)
Peso: 120 libras (54 kg)
Ropa: Pantalones Levi y una camisa gris/beige

Si lo ve o sabe dónde se encuentra, comuníquese de inmediato con LPD al 396-2811.
Por favor comparta para ayudar a que regrese a casa sano y salvo.

05/19/2025