Armed Carjacking Suspect “Wizard” Apprehended After Highway Pursuit

A dramatic pursuit unfolded in southern New Mexico Monday morning after a reported armed carjacking led to a multi-agency response and the arrest of a 75-year-old suspect known as “Wizard.”

At approximately 9:08 a.m., New Mexico State Police (NMSP) officers in Deming were dispatched to Hatchita following reports that a male suspect—identified as David Shoemaker—had forcibly stolen a Volvo passenger car by threatening the driver with a large blade. The victim was unharmed.

NMSP quickly located the stolen vehicle traveling eastbound on Highway 9. When officers attempted a traffic stop, Shoemaker refused to comply, initiating a high-speed pursuit. With support from U.S. Border Patrol and Customs, spike strips were deployed successfully, but the vehicle continued east.

Officers then executed a Pursuit Intervention Technique (P.I.T.) maneuver, bringing the vehicle to a stop. Shoemaker was observed wielding a machete and dagger inside the car. For nearly two hours, officers attempted to negotiate a peaceful surrender. When negotiations failed, the NMSP Tactical Team intervened and safely removed Shoemaker from the vehicle without further incident.

Shoemaker was booked into the Luna County Detention Center on multiple charges, including:

• 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

The case remains under active investigation by the New Mexico State Police. Stay tuned to 2nd Life Media for updates as more details emerge.

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