LCPD: Passenger’s rifle accidentally discharges, wounds driver

Tuesday evening’s shooting at Young Park appears to be accidental and no felony charges are expected, Las Cruces Police said.

Investigators said the shooting that resulted in the wounding of a 20-year-old man happened sometime before 10:30 pm May 2, 2017.

Police said a 19-year-old backseat passenger inside a vehicle parked at Young Park was holding a .22 caliber rifle when it accidentally discharged.

The vehicle was occupied by three people and the driver received a gunshot wound to his back, police said.

The backseat passenger called 911 and was cooperative with police.

Police said thee victim was initially transported to Mountainview Regional Medical Center and then to University Medical Center of El Paso, where he is now listed in stable condition.

The front-seat passenger of the vehicle, a 16-year-old girl, fled from the car immediately after the shooting but later returned and cooperated with investigators.