LCPD: Suspect in Easter Sunday shooting charged

The man suspected in Sunday afternoon’s shooting at Apodaca Park that injured a 19-year-old has been arrested and charged with a pair of felonies.

18-year-old Jaime Armendariz, of the 1900 block of Pinetrail Street, is charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm and tampering with evidence.

Police officers were dispatched to the report of a gunshot victim at Apodaca Park shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday, April 21, 2019.

When the officers arrived, they found a 19-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his lower abdomen. The victim is in stable condition, police said.

Investigators learned Armendariz and the victim’s brother have had ongoing issues and have been in physical fights before.

On Sunday, the two brothers were at Apodaca Park with family when they saw Armendariz nearby. Police said Armendariz and the brother reportedly exchanged gestures before they began fighting.

Investigators learned the 19-year-old went to the aid of his brother when Armendariz retrieved a handgun from his waistband. Armendariz reportedly fired one round into the air as the three men struggled for control of the gun. Investigators believe Armendariz then fired another round that struck the 19-year-old victim.

After the shooting, Armendariz allegedly threw the handgun over a chain-link fence before he was detained by several witnesses. Las Cruces police officers arrived and took Armendariz into custody.

Armendariz was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he is initially being held without bond.