On Thursday, August 17, 2017 at approximately 11:20 PM, Hobbs Police Officers responded to the area of
Fowler and Midwest in reference to a call of an Aggravated Assault. The caller advised that a male subject, later identified as Leonardo Marquez Jr, 25, of Hobbs, was attempting to run over them in a silver in color Cadillac sedan. Officers located the vehicle illegally parked on Fowler and attempted to conduct a traffic stop.
Marquez, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, accelerated at a high rate of speed and turned down an
alley while failing to yield to emergency lights and sirens. Marquez continued to flee from officers while failing
to stop at stops signs and driving recklessly throughout the neighborhood. Marquez’s vehicle came to a brief
stop in the 400 block of W. Rainbow, but then quickly accelerated again and intentionally veered towards and
crashed into a marked patrol unit at the intersection of Linam and Rainbow. Marquez’s vehicle was travelling at an estimated 30 mph when it struck the patrol unit as an officer was exiting in an attempt to deploy tire
deflation devices.

Marquez exited his vehicle after the collision and fled on foot and he was quickly taken into custody by other
officers. A Hobbs Police Officer was injured as a result of Marquez intentionally crashing into the patrol unit.
The officer was transported to Lea Regional Medical Center where treated for injuries to his head, neck, leg and back. The officer was later released from the hospital. Marquez was also transported to Lea Regional Medical Center; however, refused treatment and was released. He was transported to the Hobbs Municipal Detention facility where he is awaiting arraignment.

Marquez is charged with Aggravated Battery Upon a Peace Officer (3F), Driving Under the Influence of
Intoxicating Liquor (6th offense, 3F), Aggravated Assault (4F), Aggravated Fleeing a Law Enforcement Officer (4F), Driving while License Suspended or Revoked (PM), Vehicle to be Registered (PM), Proof of Insurance Required (PM), Yield to Emergency Vehicle (PM), Stop Sign (PM), Use of Plates on Other Vehicle (PM), and Defective Equipment (PM).

(News release from Hobbs Police Department)