LAS CRUCES – A Las Cruces man is in custody following a drive-by shooting Sunday afternoon that injured a 34-year-old man and his 11-year-old son.
Las Cruces police say 26-year-old Jesus Angel Cortez was arrested Sunday evening in El Paso in connection with the shooting. Cortez faces felony charges of shooting at or from a motor vehicle causing injury, two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, two counts of child abuse and one count of aggravated burglary.
Police and fire crews were dispatched at about 4:30 p.m. Sunday, August 16, to the area of South Solano Drive and Missouri Avenue after receiving a report of a shooting.
Investigators say a man driving a charcoal-colored Dodge Durango fired several rounds into a vehicle occupied by the 34-year-old man and his 11-year-old son.
The father was struck by gunfire at least once and was transported to a local hospital. His son suffered shrapnel injuries to his face and arms and was also hospitalized. Police say both victims received medical treatment and have since been released.
Investigators said the shooting appeared to be unprovoked. Police say the victims did not know Cortez and had no interaction with him before the shooting.
According to investigators, Cortez later went to the home of the mother of his children, broke a window and attempted to forcibly remove a child through the broken window. Police say Cortez dropped a firearm during that incident before fleeing.
Las Cruces police obtained an arrest warrant, and Cortez was located and detained Sunday evening by police in El Paso.
He is being held without bond at the El Paso County Detention Center.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police say additional charges are possible.
John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications News – John@bravomic.com