Man charged with attempted murder of woman at Planet Fitness in Las Cruces

UPDATE: The man suspected in Tuesday morning’s shooting that injured a 29-year-old woman at Planet Fitness has been charged with attempted murder, Las Cruces police said.
 
Jose Daniel Chavez, 28, of Mesilla Park, was charged after police said witnesses positively identified him as the shooter. Investigators said they also found a 9mm handgun that he apparently dropped on the sidewalk while fleeing the gym at 1300 El Paseo Road.

"The victim told detectives she was working at the counter when Chavez walked in, threw a boot at her and then fired one round. The round struck the left side of the woman’s abdomen. When Chavez was detained by police, he was not wearing shoes or boots," police spokesman Dan Trujillo said.

While police didn't cite a motive for the shooting, they indicated Chavez was a former member of Planet Fitness whose membership cancelled last year due to repeated complaints about his gym attire.

Chavez was being held late Tuesday without bond in the Dona Ana County Detention Center, while the victim was treated and released from the hospital.

ORIGINAL REPORT: LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- A 29-year-old woman was shot and wounded Tuesday morning at a gym in Las Cruces where she worked, authorities confirmed to ABC-7.

That shooting took place about 8 a.m. at the Planet Fitness at 1300 El Paseo Road.

The employee suffered at least one gunshot wound and was being treated at Mountainview Regional Medical Center, where her injuries were described as non-life threatening.

"Witnesses gave police a description of the suspect and the direction he took off running. Officers quickly located and detained a man, believed to be the suspect, nearby," Las Cruces police spokesman Dan Trujillo said.

He didn't indicate a motive for he shooting or what led up to the gunfire; the names of the victim and the suspect also weren't released.

Planet Fitness was temporarily closed as police investigated, but the gym has since reopened.