Police arrested a Las Cruces man suspected of punching his wife during an argument and knocking out several of her teeth.
Ralph David Hibbard, 60, of the 1800 block of Elder Street, is charged with one count each of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, battery against a household member, and resisting, evading or obstructing an officer.
At about 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, Las Cruces Police were dispatched to the report of a domestic incident that reportedly took place in the parking lot of Walmart at 571 Walton Dr. Officers arrived to find a 72-year-old woman, Hibbard’s wife, with torn clothing and multiple bruises upon her face.
Detectives learned that Hibbard and his wife got into an argument in a recreational vehicle parked at Walmart. The argument quickly escalated and Hibbard is suspected of punching and strangling his wife. Hibbard is also accused of threatening to kill his wife.
Police located Hibbard near the RV and took him into custody. While in the back seat of a marked police unit, Hibbard began fighting with an officer. A passerby intervened and helped the officer gain control over Hibbard while the suspect was handcuffed.
Hibbard’s wife was transported to a local hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
Hibbard was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he is initially being held without bond.
Information from Las Cruces Police