Police have launched a manhunt for a man and a woman accused of shooting at a state trooper during a traffic stop along U.S. Highway 285 near Fort Sumner.
Investigators said the suspects are in a gray Kia with a Texas license plate XMX8165. The police have released photos showing an unidentified bearded man pointing a rifle during the traffic stop. He was wearing a red T-shirt, a black beanie, and sunglasses.
The police, however, identified the woman as Makaela Johnson, who has the word “Loyalty” tattooed above her right eyebrow. Johnson faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault on a police officer with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, harboring a felon, receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle, escape from an officer, and larceny.
The shooting incident happened Monday evening, February 23, near milepost 185 in eastern New Mexico, authorities said in social media posts. However, the trooper was unharmed.
Police called on residents in the Fort Sumner area to remain indoors, lock their doors, and be alert for suspicious persons. The search for the suspects has continued into Tuesday morning, February 24.
Police advised the public not to approach the suspects. Call 911 immediately for any information about their whereabouts, the police said.
The state ranked second in the United States for assaults per capita against law enforcement officers, according to 2023 data reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Encounters such as shooting, stabbing, and physical assault against officers are more common in New Mexico than in other states.