AN ALTERCATION ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT’S DOLLAR RIDE NIGHT RESULT IN MAJOR CHAOS
On August 17, 2022, at 8:50 PM, numerous reports were made to law enforcement of someone shooting on the south-end of the midway at the Curry County Fair. Personnel from the Curry County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State Police and Clovis Police Department immediately converged on that location, but did not encounter a person or persons firing a weapon. The investigation, thus far, has determined that a verbal and physical conflict occurred between two groups.
During the altercation, one or more firearms were displayed. However, there is no evidence to suggest that shots were fired. One male individual was detained in the area who was illegally in possession of a concealed firearm. At this point, information does not indicate that this individual was involved in the altercation.
“Nobody in the area reported that they saw him. He indicated he had removed the firearm (from a bag) when he heard people yelling that somebody had a gun,” stated Sheriff Waller.
Investigators are currently interviewing witnesses and reviewing video footage captured by cell phones to assist in identifying the individuals involved in the altercation. Several injuries were reported following this incident which were attributed to falls and scaling fences during the mass-exit by the crowd from the midway area.
Speculations of a shooting being the cause of the incident began after the circulation of rumors of a shooting happening at the fairgrounds took to social media days leading up to the opening night. The rumored shooting was in retaliation of another shooting that occurred killing a 17-year-old girl.
The fairgrounds did remain open after the incident and most of the crowd had cleared out due to the confusion.
Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to contact the Curry County Sheriff’s Office at (575) 769-2335, or they can report anonymously through Curry County Crime Stoppers at (575) 763-7000.
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