Clovis police arrest 3, investigate shooting that injured 7-year-old girl

Clovis, NM – A 7-year-old girl was shot in the head during an incident Tuesday afternoon in Clovis, New Mexico, which led to three arrests.

According to the Clovis Police Department, on Tuesday, July 11, at about 1:56 p.m., Clovis Police Dispatch received an emergency phone call reporting a small white SUV-type vehicle was being shot at by a man wearing all black near 12th and Calhoun Street.

The Dispatch Center received a second call, in which the caller said his sister had been shot in the head and they were driving to the hospital.

Officers were dispatched to the area of 12th and Calhoun Street and were able to locate evidence of a shooting and immediately began speaking to possible witnesses.

Officers also responded to Plains Regional Medical Center and found a small white SUV with multiple bullet holes on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Officers were notified of a girl, age 7, inside the facility's emergency department with a gunshot wound to the head. The child was then taken to a medical facility in Texas for further treatment of her injuries.

"The 9th Judicial District Major Crimes Unit was activated and began working on a joint investigation into this shooting," the Clovis Police Department said. "This shooting is an active investigation. A person of interest has been located for this shooting and was transported to the Clovis Police Department for questioning."

As a result of the investigation, Jeffrey Smiley, 48, was arrested for child abuse resulting in great bodily harm, a first-degree felony, as well as five counts of assault with intent to commit a violent felony, child abuse, and a felon in possession of a firearm.

Also charged as a result of this investigation were Jocelyn Smiley, 29, on charges for child abuse, and Brandon Brooks, 32, charged with accessory to assault with intent to commit a violent felony, and harboring or aiding a felon.

The Clovis Police Department is asking for the public’s help with information related to this shooting. Anyone who has any information related to this incident is asked to contact the Clovis Police Department at 575-769-1921. Information can be provided anonymously by using the Clovis Police Department’s tip411 program which can be accessed by going to www.police.cityofclovis.org or via the Curry County Crime Stoppers at 575-763-7000.