A late-night show in South Central El Paso turned violent on Monday when an argument escalated into gunfire, leaving a 21-year-old Las Cruces man hospitalized with serious injuries and another man from Las Cruces facing a felony charge, according to police.
The shooting happened at a venue in the 300 block of North San Marcial Street, where what started as a dispute quickly drew a heavy police presence in the surrounding neighborhood. Officers rushed the victim to a local hospital, where he remains under care while detectives work the case.
According to KDBC, the El Paso Police Department identified the suspect as 29-year-old Javier Arroyo. He has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Jail records show Arroyo was booked into the El Paso County Downtown Jail, with a bond set at $150,000. Those same records indicate he posted a surety bond and was released the following day.
As reported by KFOX14, officers were called out around 9:13 p.m. Monday to the area of North San Marcial Street and Durazno Avenue, near DeadBeach Brewery. The El Paso Police Department's Crimes Against Persons Unit has since taken over the investigation. Police say the victim was found at the scene and taken to a hospital with serious injuries.
What police say
Investigators say Arroyo and the victim got into an argument during the event before things spiraled. Arroyo allegedly pulled a gun and fired multiple shots, then took off from the scene, according to KDBC. Detectives later tracked him down and placed him under arrest while continuing to identify witnesses and gather evidence. Police have not released additional details as the investigation remains active.
How to help
Anyone who saw what happened or has video from the area is urged to contact Crime Stoppers of El Paso or call (915) 566-8477. The El Paso Police Department is asking witnesses to share any tips or footage with the Crimes Against Persons Unit as detectives work to build the case, as reported by KFOX14.
Arroyo faces an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge, and the case will now move through El Paso County courts while investigators continue to piece together what led up to the shooting. Police are asking the public to avoid speculation and instead pass along any information that could help clarify what happened.
