SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is investigating a shooting and carjacking that injured two people Saturday in Guadalupe County.
State Police investigators were notified of the incident at approximately noon September 19. Authorities said it began around 11:10 a.m. at the Phillips 66 Milagro gas station at 1095 Russell Road following a reported domestic dispute involving 22-year-old Riel Gonzales and his 18-year-old former girlfriend.
According to the preliminary investigation, the woman left the gas station in a black BMW, leaving Gonzales behind. Gonzales allegedly stole a red Dykon Blasting work truck while its driver was pumping gas and followed her toward Anton Chico.
The woman drove to a residence, where Gonzales allegedly abandoned the work truck, took her BMW and left. Her mother arrived and picked her up shortly afterward.
Authorities said the woman and her mother later encountered Gonzales on New Mexico Highway 119. Shots were fired and a vehicle collision occurred during the confrontation.
The mother’s boyfriend witnessed the incident while responding to the location. Investigators said Gonzales fired at him but did not strike him. The man then exited his vehicle, returned fire and subdued Gonzales until officers arrived and took him into custody.
The former girlfriend suffered a gunshot wound to her left arm, while Gonzales was shot in his right arm. Both were transported to an area hospital for treatment. The woman was later transferred to a Texas hospital, where she was treated and released.
Gonzales was booked into the Colfax County Detention Center on a probation hold. The Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s Office approved charges including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm or destructive device by a felon, shooting at or from a motor vehicle, two counts of unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, three counts of criminal damage to property exceeding $1,000 and interference with communications.
The incident remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau.
John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications News, LLC – John@Bravomic.com