Man accused of injuring Las Cruces father, son in drive-by shooting arrested in El Paso

UPDATE (Aug. 18, 2026): The El Paso Police Department confirmed it arrested and charged Jesus Angel Cortez for an alleged home burglary.

In a news release sent Tuesday, EPPD said it went to a home on Upson Drive near Downtown El Paso on Sunday. Officers met with the homeowner, who said his family could hear someone in the house.

The homeowner found Cortez, who then allegedly locked himself inside the restroom, police said.

Police said they arrested Cortez for the burglary and learned about a warrant out of Las Cruces.

Cortez is accused of a drive-by shooting that injured a Las Cruces man and his son, according to police.

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) -- A 34-year-old man and his 11-year-old son were injured in a drive-by shooting that happened Sunday in Las Cruces, according to police.

Around 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Las Cruces police and fire responded to the drive-by shooting report at the intersection of South Solano Drive and Missouri Avenue.

Police alleged 26-year-old Jesus Angel Cortez fired several shots into a vehicle the father and son were in.

Both went to the hospital. Police said the father was hit by gunfire at least once. The son had injuries to his face and arms. Police said both have been released from the hospital.

Investigators said the victims didn't know Cortez and had no interaction with him before the shooting.

Cortez allegedly went to the home of his children's mother after the shooting, police said. He allegedly broke a window and tried to forcibly remove a child through the broken window, according to LCPD. He also allegedly dropped a gun before leaving.

Police said they obtained a warrant for Cortez' arrest. Police found and detained him in El Paso Sunday. Police said he faces several felony charges:

• Shooting at or from a vehicle causing injury
• Two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon
• Two counts of child abuse
• One count of aggravated burglary

He is currently being held without bond at the El Paso County Detention Center. Police said additional charges are possible.