The Artesia Police Department has provided updates regarding two shooting incidents that occurred last week in Artesia.
Officers were dispatched around 11 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12, to 605 1/2 Quay Ave. in reference to two “minor incidents” that, according to the APD, “escalated and de-escalated” with “friends and acquaintances” coming and going from the residence “with various types of conflict happening.” The incidents ultimately ended with shots fired, and an Artesia man was struck in the abdomen.
That man, now officially identified as 29-year-old Anthony Herrera of Artesia, has since succumbed to his injuries. Cmdr. Lindell Smith of the APD says Herrera was shot four times in the abdomen.
“The physical and testimonial evidence surrounding Mr. Herrera’s death is still being evaluated by the District Attorney’s Office,” said Smith. “The person who operated the firearm is known to detectives.”
The APD is also continuing to investigate a shooting that occurred Tuesday, Jan. 14, in the 200 block of North Second Street near the Chisum Avenue intersection.
Police were dispatched at 5:08 p.m. to that crime scene in reference to shots fired. Upon arrival, they found a 46-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. The man was transported to an out-of-state hospital.
According to a report from Crime Stoppers of Eddy County, several unknown subjects pulled up in a white crew-cab pickup truck and approached the victim, who was sitting in his vehicle. Following a conversation, a male subject described as Hispanic with a shaved head and tattoos on his head and neck fired multiple rounds into the truck, striking the victim. The subjects then fled.
Smith says the victim in that shooting remains in serious condition and has been unable to provide a statement.
“Detectives continue to work on leads and develop their own leads,” said Smith.
Anyone with potential information regarding either of these crimes is urged to contact the APD at 746-5000. Anyone with information on the Second Street shooting may also contact Crime Stoppers at 575-887-1888 (or toll-free at 844-786-7227); at eddycountycrimestoppers.com; or via the mobile app P3 Tips. A reward is available for the tip ending in 79.
