CLOVIS, N.M. (KRQE) — A man is wanted in connection to an assault at a massage parlor in eastern New Mexico on Tuesday, according to the Clovis Police Department. Police are now asking the public to call the department immediately if they see this man:
Police say Christopher Gipson, 42, is wanted on charges of kidnapping, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, assault with intent to commit a violent felony, and tampering with evidence. Gipson is believed to be armed with a machete and wearing grey sweatpants. His torso is heavily tattooed.
Gipson’s charges stem back to about 8:44 p.m. on Tuesday when dispatch in Clovis received a 911 call. They heard what seemed to be groaning and crying on the other end. Police then responded to a massage parlor at 3018 N Prince St. where they found a 60-year-old woman bleeding from both her head and body.
Emergency medical services were dispatched to the scene. The woman was stabilized from her life-threatening injuries and taken to Plains Regional Medical Center. She has since been transferred to a hospital in Lubbock, Texas.
The Clovis Police Department’s special operations unit began investigating, leading to Gipson being identified as the suspect. Police believe Gipson was in Clovis for a work detail involving a construction group. They do not believe he is associated with the city in any other way.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Clovis police non-emergency line at 575-769-1921. Anonymous tips can be submitted online, or through Curry County Crime Stoppers at 575-763-7000.