Hobbs teen charged after officer shooting and ambulance escape attempt

Christopher Rojas faces charges in Hobbs after an officer shot him during an encounter involving a stolen car. The incident led to a chase on foot when the wounded suspect broke away from custody.

Officers responded to a Saturday afternoon call about a fight involving a gun. They crossed paths with Rojas, 17, who is accused of driving a stolen Dodge Charger.

Police believe Rojas was fleeing from that initial crime. Events escalated rapidly. Dashcam video shows Rojas striking a patrol car and a parked car during an escape attempt.

An officer then fired at least six rounds through the windshield at the teenager. The officer did not turn on his lapel camera until Rojas was already on the ground.

Gunfire struck Rojas in the hand during the shooting. Additional Hobbs officers reached the scene and placed him in handcuffs. They treated his wound and waited for medical help.

An ambulance arrived at the scene. Rojas then jumped out the back doors with his hands still cuffed behind him, police said. Officers chased the teen on foot. They tackled him roughly one block away.

Independent agencies routinely review police shootings in Hobbs to evaluate the use of force. District attorneys review these findings to decide if criminal charges apply to officers.

State Police are investigating the gunfire. The District Attorney will decide if the officer acted with legal justification. Rojas faces charges of evading arrest, unlawful gun possession, and shooting from a car.