By KRWG News
Las Cruces – Las Cruces Police are asking for assistance in locating a man who physically assaulted his girlfriend and discharged a handgun late Sunday evening.
Joshua Mathew Hernandez, 27, is being sought by police for the incident that occurred at a residence on the 1600 block of Mahaney Avenue. The 25-year-old victim was transported to a local hospital with a broken nose and other non-life-threatening injuries.
Hernandez is 6-feet tall and weighs approximately 175 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. He may be driving a 2003 tan Ford Explorer with New Mexico license plate KZM-537. Hernandez is believed to be armed with a 9mm handgun.
Sometime around 11 p.m. Sunday, April 17, an argument between Hernandez and his girlfriend became physical. Las Cruces Police learned that Hernandez grabbed the woman's throat and attempted to strangle her. Hernandez kicked and punched the woman and then threatened her with a 9mm handgun. He also fired one round into the floor at their residence.
Hernandez then left the home in the woman's 2003 Ford Explorer. His whereabouts are unknown at this time.
Hernandez is charged with three counts of aggravated battery - two with a deadly weapon - and two counts of battery against a household member. Hernandez also faces one count each of possession of a firearm by a felon, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and aggravated assault.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Hernandez is asked to call 911 or Las Cruces Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or send a tip via text message to LCTIPS (528477).