Fight during winery’s comedy night ends with shots fired, alleged gunman arrested

Police arrested the man suspected of firing a handgun at a 33-year-old man as the two left a local winery.

Udell Justin Vigil, 32, of the 1500 block of Andrews Drive, is charged with one count each of shooting at or from a motor vehicle and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, both fourth-degree felonies. He’s also charged with a misdemeanor count of aggravated battery, police said.

The incident happened shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday July 30th near the Amaro Winery at 402 S. Melendres Street. When officers arrived, they found a 33-year-old man who claimed to have been struck in the head with a bottle.

Detectives learned the victim was with friends at the winery during comedy night when an argument broke out between patrons and one of the comedians. As the victim left, he allegedly threw wine toward the comedian. Detectives believe that’s when Vigil, seen speaking with the comedian earlier in the evening, struck the 33-year-old man over the head with a bottle.

Both parties left the winery and Vigil is suspected of getting behind the wheel of a yellow Jeep. As he left the parking lot, Vigil is suspected of arming himself with a handgun and firing one round in the direction of the 33-year-old man. Police said no one was injured as a result of the gunfire, but the victim did receive a laceration to his head when he was struck with the bottle.

Witnesses to the altercation were able to provide enough information for police to positively identify Vigil as the suspect. A warrant was obtained Monday for Vigil’s arrest. He turned himself in to police Tuesday morning.

Vigil was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he’s being held on bond set at $30,000.