EPPD: Man involved in drive-by shooting also in possession of cocaine, THC and pot

The man involved in a drive-by shooting in Central El Paso was in possession of cocaine, THC and marijuana, El Paso Police said.

Investigators charged Jose Luis Vela, 21, with possession of a controlled substance and two counts of deadly conduct.

At about 3:20 p.m. on March 21, 2019, Gang Unit investigators responded to the 3100 block of Pera to assist patrol officers after shots were fired.

The investigation revealed three individuals were involved in a street fight. Two of the subjects left in a vehicle and, as they were driving away, one of the subjects in the vehicle fired gunshots at the third subject who remained behind.

That third subject, later identified as Vela, allegedly armed himself with a rifle, entered a white convertible and drove away, police said.

Moments later, another shots fired call involving a white convertible was called in to police. Investigators learned Vela had fired shots at a residence at the 3900 block of Chester, police said.

Police officers located the white convertible and Vela at an apartment complex in the 3100 block of Pera.

Police said a search of Vela’s apartment led to the discovery of a rifle, approximately 14 pounds of THC, 71 grams of marijuana and 17 grams of cocaine.

Vela was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on bonds totaling $176,000.

Police said Vela could face additional charges. Additional arrests are expected pending the outcome of the investigation.