Shootings prompt deputies to up patrols of desert area at SAC

EL PASO, Texas -- The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is stepping up their presence in the desert area behind the Socorro Activities Complex following a history of fights and shootings, including a shooting that left four people hurt and one dead in July.

Residential neighborhoods are popping up around this desert area and homeowners are concerned with the activity that is happening outside their properties.

“I’ve been here for 13 years and this hasn’t stopped," Raul Rosales said.

Rosales's home was hit by a stray bullet when someone was firing their gun near his property.

“My wife is scared to sleep in the bedroom at night," Rosales explained.

The Sheriff's Office says its deputies will use off-roading vehicles during their patrols that will help them cover the large and rocky area where people are shooting off fireworks, firearms, and throwing parties.

“We want the community to be able to buy a home and live there peacefully and not have to worry about gunfire, and fights, and things like that happening," Sheriff's Commander Ryan Urrutia said.