New Mexico State Police are searching for a man and a woman suspected in a shooting at a state police officer during a traffic stop near Fort Sumner.
The NMSP officer was not injured in the shooting, which occurred Monday evening, Feb. 23, near U.S. Highway 285 near milepost 185 in eastern New Mexico, state police said via social media.
Nearby residents were urged to remain inside, lock doors, and be alert for suspicious activity as law enforcement officers continued to look for the suspects on Tuesday morning, Feb. 24, in the Fort Sumner area, New Mexico State Police said via social media.
Police were looking for a gray Kia with Texas plates XMX8165.
State police released photos showing an unidentified man pointing rifle during the traffic stop. The man appeared to have a beard and was wearing a red T-shirt, a black beanie and sunglasses.
The woman had allegedly been identified as Makaela Johnson, who has “Loyalty” tattooed above her right eyebrow, New Mexico State Police said.
State police said that Johnson is wanted on charges of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault upon a police officer with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, harboring a felon, receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle, escape from a police officer and larceny.
Residents were asked to report any sightings to 911 and to avoid approaching the suspects.
Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@elpasotimes.com and @BorundaDaniel on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: New Mexico police search for man, woman wanted in traffic stop shooting
Reporting by Daniel Borunda, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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