On October 15, 2018, around 8:30 p.m. the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate a police shooting involving the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force at 1922 Villa Street in Artesia.  

The Pecos Valley Drug Task Force was attempting to apprehend Ronnie Dunnavant (47) of Artesia on outstanding warrants for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and criminal damage to property. Dunnavant was driving a 2016 white Ford, which the task force located parked at a residence on Villa Street. The agents initiated a traffic stop, and as they approached the vehicle Dunnavant placed the vehicle in reverse. Agent Gilbert Gomez of the Eddy County Sheriff’s Department fired a single shot at the tires of the vehicle. Dunnavant was not hit by gun fire and fled the area in the vehicle.

After fleeing the scene Dunnavant barricaded himself inside a residence on the 200 block of South 40th street. Eddy County Sheriff’s Department negotiator was able to make contact with Dunnavant at that location and Dunnavant peacefully surrendered. Dunnavant was successfully taken into custody by the Eddy County Sheriff’s Department. 

Agent Gomez has been employed with the Eddy County Sheriff’s Department for 4 years. This investigation remains active and open. The details of the shooting remain under investigation. Upon completion of the State Police investigation this case will be forwarded to an assigned district attorney’s office for review.

The New Mexico State Police is only investigating the shooting portion of this incident. For inquiries into Dunnavant’s warrants, information on his charges stemming from this incident, or Agent Gomez’s current employment status please contact Eddy County Sheriff’s Department.