Crime Stoppers of Eddy County

06/11/2026

Carlsbad Police Seek Assistance in Locating Person of Interest

Date: Monday, June 8, 2026
Location: 3700 block of Standpipe Rd. Carlsbad, NM

Through continued investigation involving a fatal hit and run, detectives have identified 26-year-old Artesia resident Edgar Ayala Flores as a person of interest in this case and are actively attempting to locate and speak with him regarding the investigation. The suspected vehicle involved in the crash has
been located and is being processed as evidence.

The Carlsbad Police Department asks anyone who recognizes, sees, and or knows where Edgar Ayala Flores who is shown in the attached photograph is, please contact the Carlsbad Police Department at (575) 885-2111 ext. 0. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at (575) 887-1888 or
toll-free at (844) 786-7227, visiting eddycountycrimestoppers.com, or submitting a tip through the P3 Tips mobile application.

06/10/2026

UPDATED: Can YOUR security camera help?

Carlsbad Police Seek Additional Assistance in Fatal Hit and Run
Date: Monday, June 8, 2026
Location: 3700 block of Standpipe RD, Carlsbad, NM

On June 8, 2026, at approximately 5:48 a.m., officers with the Carlsbad Police Department responded to the 3700 block of Standpipe Road, where they found 19-year-old Carlsbad resident Trapper James Cearley, deceased. The investigation revealed that the victim had been riding a minibike southbound on Standpipe Road when he was struck by a vehicle sometime after 11:30 p.m. on June 7, 2026.

Through investigative efforts and review of surveillance video, investigators have identified the suspect vehicle as a light-colored Ford F-250 or F-350 flatbed pickup equipped with a headache rack and auxiliary lights. The vehicle may have sustained front-end damage and could show paint transfer or undercarriage damage consistent with the collision.

Investigators determined that, shortly before the crash, the vehicle was traveling southbound in the 1100 block of Pate Street at approximately 11:55 p.m. on June 7, 2026. The vehicle then continued south on Church Street, proceeded south on Sixth Street, and ultimately traveled onto Standpipe Road.

The Carlsbad Police Department is asking residents and businesses along this suspected route to review any available surveillance footage recorded between 11:45 p.m. and midnight on June 7, 2026. Anyone with relevant video footage or information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Carlsbad Police Department at (575) 885-2111 ext. 0. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at (575) 887-1888 or toll-free at (844) 786-7227, visiting eddycountycrimestoppers.com,
or submitting a tip through the P3 Tips mobile application.

Send a message to learn more

06/09/2026

Fatal Hit & Run
Date: Monday, June 8, 2026
Location: 3700 block of Standpipe RD, Carlsbad, NM

On Monday, June 8, 2026, at approximately 5:48 a.m., officers with the Carlsbad Police Department responded to the 3700 block of Standpipe Road in reference to a report of an unresponsive person. Upon arrival, officers located a deceased 19-year-old male.
The preliminary investigation indicates the victim was riding a minibike and traveling southbound on Standpipe Road when he was struck by a vehicle. Based on evidence gathered at the scene, investigators believe the collision occurred sometime after 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2026. The driver involved in the collision left the scene without reporting the incident or rendering aid.

Investigators are actively working to identify the driver and vehicle involved. No suspect has been identified at this time, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.

The Carlsbad Police Department extends its sincere condolences to the victim's family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Carlsbad Police Department at (575) 885-2111, extension 0. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers by calling (575) 887-1888 or toll-free at (844) 786-7227, visiting
eddycountycrimestoppers.com, or submitting a tip through the P3 Tips mobile application.

Send a message to learn more

05/25/2026

DATE: May 24, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Lieutenant Kane Wyatt

Eddy County Sheriff's Office Investigating Death

(Eddy County, New Mexico)

Sheriff Matt Hutchinson reports that on Saturday, May 23, 2026, the Eddy County Sheriff's Office (ECSO) responded to Capitan Reef Road where it crosses over the Pecos River, commonly referred to as "the chutes", in reference to an adult male who was unconscious and not breathing from apparent gunshot wounds. Upon arriving at the scene, Eddy County Sheriff's Office Deputies and personnel from the Eddy County Fire and Rescue conducted life saving measures. Native Air responded and transported the subject to the Carlsbad Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.

ECSO Detectives responded to the scene and initiated an investigation in cooperation with the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI). The subject has been identified as Nicholas Andres Lucero (42) of Carlsbad, NM.

The circumstances surrounding his death are still under investigation. There are no suspects at large and there is no known threat to the public.

We encourage anyone with relevant information to contact the ECSO Detective Division at 575-887-7551. You may also contact Eddy County Crime Stoppers with the option to remain anonymous.

Tips can be submitted in one of three ways:

1. Call 575-887-1888 or toll-free 844-786-7227
2. Visit eddycountycrimestoppers.com
3. Use the mobile app, P3 Tips

05/07/2026

🚨The Artesia Police Department Needs Your Help🚨

On February 19, 2026, at approximately 8:57 PM, officers responded to a shooting at the Peñasco Apartments located at 501 S. 20th Street in Artesia, New Mexico. A 17 year old victim sustained injuries from the shooting and was transported for medical care.

Investigators are seeking information regarding an older model white Chevy Malibu or similar vehicle with Texas license plates, occupied by four males, that was seen leaving the area immediately after the incident. The vehicle’s direction of travel is unknown.

Anyone who may have seen this vehicle, has surveillance footage from the area, or has information about the individuals involved is asked to contact the Artesia Police Department at 575-746-5000 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.

Tips can now be submitted in one of three ways:
1. Call (575) 887-1888 or toll free (844) 786-7227
2. Visit eddycountycrimestoppers.com
3. Download P3 Tips from Apple App Store or Google Play.

Send a message to learn more