11-10-2023 7:35am

Chase Leads to Death via Suicide in Otero County

Chris Edwards Editor

New Mexico State Police locate violent sexual offender in Otero County according to a press statement concerning an investigation and an incident leading to a suicide attempt and death. The New Mexico State Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit (FAU) were able to find an absconder after learning he was observed driving a stolen vehicle.

On November 6, 2023, FAU agents received information that a violent sexual offender Benjamin Hoffer (25) of Capitan, NM had active felony warrants from Lincoln County. Agents also learned that Hoffer had not made payments on a 2018 Ford SUV and it was reported stolen. The dealership informed agents that the vehicle was located at the Quality Inn Motel in Alamogordo. Agents observed the vehicle backed up against a wall at the motel.

Agents set up surveillance on the vehicle and Hoffer was seen exiting the motel and getting into the stolen Ford. As soon as Hoffer saw the agents, he accelerated at a high rate of speed in the direction of the officers. During his escape, Hoffer struck the right rear passenger side of an agent’s unit.

Hoffer exited the hotel and drove west onto White Sands Blvd, still driving at a high rate of speed. As agents followed from a distance, they observed a large plume of dirt coming from the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was seen at a rest with Hoffer still sitting in the driver’s seat. As agents approached, Hoffer was unresponsive and bleeding from his head from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Agents began giving first aid care to Hoffer. A pistol was located on the floorboard of the vehicle. Paramedics arrived on scene and transported Hoffer to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. This incident is being investigated by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau.

Hoffer has had a series of run ins with law enforcement in Alamogordo one dating back to 2019 reported in the Daily News suggesting Benjamin Hoffer, 20, was arrested for a Magistrate Court Warrant for battery on a household member and false imprisonment after he turned himself in to Alamogordo Police Department. Hoffer was incarcerated in OCDC and is to appear in Magistrate Court when summoned.

The case is currently under investigation.