Police: Man knocked wife’s teeth out in Walmart parking lot

Police arrested a man accused of punching his wife and knocking out several of her teeth Wednesday evening.

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.

Police were called to investigate the domestic violence incident in the parking lot of the 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 Hibbard and his wife got into an argument in a recreational vehicle parked at Walmart. Hibbard punched the woman and tried to strangle her, police said.

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 allegedly began fighting with an officer.

Police said a passerby intervened and helped the officer.

Hibbard was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he is initially being held without bond.