Suspect Who Fired Shots Sunday Morning is Arrested

Las Cruces Police arrested a 19-year-old man on Sunday after he fired a handgun into the air at an early-morning party.

Alberto Avila, of the 2900 block of Ancho Avenue, is charged with one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon against a household member. Avila was transported to the Dona Ana County Detention Center with bond set at $5,000.

Police were called at around 5 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, to the 2900 block of Ancho Avenue after witnesses heard shots being fired. Officers arrived and learned that the suspect, identified as Avila, had left the area in a green Honda sedan. As officers investigated the incident and learned that at least three shots were fired from a .45 caliber handgun, Avila was seen driving past the residence.

A Las Cruces Police Department officer on scene followed the car and stopped it a short distance from where the shots were fired. Avila was uncooperative with the officer but was successfully detained for questioning. A .45 caliber handgun was found on the rear floorboard of the vehicle.

Detectives learned that Avila was hosting a party when he got into an argument with his 27-year-old girlfriend. The woman left the area and when she returned to retriever her vehicle, Avila started firing the handgun into the air.

No injuries were reported.