The New Mexico State State Police issues the following information concerning an arrest. On September 8, 2025, at approximately 9:08 a.m., New Mexico State Police officers in Deming were dispatched to Hatchita, New Mexico, in reference to a reported armed carjacking.

The reporting party advised that a male suspect, later identified as David Shoemaker, 75, also known as “Wizard,” forcibly took the victim’s Volvo passenger car by threatening him with a large blade. The victim was not injured during the incident.

NMSP officers quickly located the stolen vehicle traveling east on Highway 9 near Hatchita and attempted a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop, initiating a pursuit. With assistance from U.S. Border Patrol and Customs, spike strips were deployed successfully; however, the vehicle continued eastbound.

NMSP officers then executed a Pursuit Intervention Technique (P.I.T.) maneuver, bringing the vehicle to a stop. Officers observed the driver armed with a large machete and dagger. For nearly two hours, officers attempted to negotiate with Shoemaker to exit the vehicle. After negotiations failed, the NMSP Tactical Team took over and safely removed the suspect from the vehicle without further incident.

Shoemaker was taken into custody and booked into the Luna County Detention Center on the following charges:

• Aggravated Fleeing of a Law Enforcement Officer
• Aggravated Assault upon a Peace Officer with a Deadly Weapon
• Reckless Driving
• Resisting, Evading, or Obstructing an Officer
• Concealing Identity

This case remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.