A Christmas Day confrontation outside an East El Paso home escalated into a handgun assault that left three women threatened, and one struck, police said. Two neighbors, 32-year-old Raquel Maria Cazares and 32-year-old Joshua Aaron Theocharides, were arrested on Jan. 3 and booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on aggravated assault charges tied to the Dec. 25 incident in the 13000 block of Alfredo Apodaca Drive.
According to the El Paso Police Department, investigators say Cazares and Theocharides showed up at the residence and started an altercation outside the home. Police report that Cazares assaulted one of the women while Theocharides pulled out a handgun, pointed it at the victims, and struck them with the weapon before leaving the area. Detectives later obtained arrest warrants, and both suspects were taken into custody on aggravated assault with a deadly weapon counts.
Local TV coverage filled in additional details, noting that the alleged victims were three women, ages 27, 23, and 25. As reported by KFOX, investigators identified the pair as suspects, secured warrants, and then made the Jan. 3 arrests. The station’s account tracks with the core timeline and the description of the weapon and alleged assaults outlined by police.
What the charges mean
In Texas, aggravated assault involving a deadly weapon is a felony that can bring significant prison time and hefty fines. Under state law, aggravated assault is generally classified as a second-degree felony, although it can be bumped higher in certain situations. The elements of the offense and potential penalties are detailed in the Texas Penal Code. With the arrests made, Cazares and Theocharides now move into the criminal court process while investigators continue building the case.
Investigation and next steps
The El Paso Police Department says the investigation is still active, with detectives following up on leads tied to the Dec. 25 disturbance. The department’s news release confirms the arrests and bookings and lists a media contact for additional questions. Officials have not publicly released bond amounts or initial court dates. Police note in the release that anyone who has information about what happened on Alfredo Apodaca Drive is encouraged to contact investigators through the department’s usual tip lines.
