NMSP: Man flees officers, takes woman hostage

COLFAX COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) - State police are involved in a standoff with a suspect who they believe is holding a woman hostage in Northeast New Mexico.

Officials say around 1:30 p.m. Taos County Sheriff’s Department and Angel Fire police attempted to arrest Joseph Rodriguez, who was wanted on a parole violation.

Rodriguez had two women in the car at the time police tried to pull him over, one of the women was driving the car.

The driver did not pull over and a chase ensued down Highway 64 away from Angle Fire. Taos County and Angel Fire officials then stopped the pursuit and called in State police to assist.

Shortly thereafter State police found the car the woman was driving along US 64 in Colfax County. They say it appeared the car had run out of gas.

One of the women was still in the car when State police arrived; apparently Rodriguez had taken off with the other woman on foot.

State police say they believe Rodriquez is holding the woman hostage and has forced her to flee from police at gunpoint.

Rodriguez is wanted for violating parole for DWI and now fleeing from an officer.