Police say the shooting was unprovoked and that the suspect later broke into the home of his children’s mother before being arrested in El Paso

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - A Las Cruces man is accused of opening fire on a vehicle Sunday afternoon, injuring a 34-year-old man and his 11-year-old son in what police say was an unprovoked drive-by shooting.

Jesus Angel Cortez, 26, was arrested Sunday evening in El Paso and faces felony charges including shooting at or from a motor vehicle causing injury, two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, two counts of child abuse and aggravated burglary.

Las Cruces police and firefighters were dispatched about 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, to a shooting near South Solano Drive and Missouri Avenue.

Investigators said a man driving a charcoal-colored Dodge Durango fired several rounds into a vehicle occupied by the father and son.

The 34-year-old man was struck by gunfire at least once and taken to a local hospital. His 11-year-old son suffered shrapnel injuries to his face and arms and was also hospitalized.

Both have since been released.

Police said investigators determined the shooting was unprovoked and that the victims did not know Cortez or have any interaction with him before the shooting.

Police say suspect broke into another home afterward

Investigators said Cortez later went to the home of the mother of his children, broke a window and tried to forcibly remove a child through the broken window.

Police said Cortez dropped a firearm during that incident before fleeing.

Las Cruces police obtained an arrest warrant, and Cortez was located and detained Sunday evening by police in El Paso.

He remained held without bond Monday at the El Paso County Detention Center.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are possible.