Police arrested an off-duty security guard suspected of shooting his girlfriend Tuesday evening.
Israel Salas, 28, of the 1100 block of east Boutz Road, is charged with one count of aggravated battery against a household member causing great bodily harm. The charge is a third-degree felony.
About 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, Las Cruces police were dispatched to the report of a gunshot victim in an apartment at 1101 E. Boutz Rd. Officers arrived to find a 24-year-old woman suffering from a gunshot wound to her shoulder. The woman was initially transported to a local hospital and then to University Medical Center of El Paso. Her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Investigators learned Salas is a security guard and was home with his girlfriend Tuesday evening. Salas indicated he unholstered the 9mm handgun from his utility belt and placed it on the kitchen counter when it somehow discharged, striking his girlfriend.
In another interview with investigators, Salas changed his story and indicated he ejected the gun’s magazine, pointed the firearm at his girlfriend and pulled the trigger. Salad indicated to investigators that he did not clear the chamber for a live round before pulling the trigger.
Salas was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center early Wednesday morning. He was released shortly before 1 p.m. Wednesday on a $2,000 unsecured bond.
Information from Las Cruces Police