A Las Cruces man is in custody, and police are continuing to investigate a drive-by shooting that injured a 34-year-old man and his 11-year-old son on Sunday afternoon.
Jesus Angel Cortez, 26, was arrested in a separate incident Sunday evening in El Paso. Cortez faces felony charges of shooting at or from a motor vehicle causing injury, two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, two counts of child abuse and one count of aggravated burglary.
About 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, Las Cruces police and fire were dispatched to the report of a shooting that injured a man and his son near the intersection of south Solano Drive and Missouri Avenue. Police learned an unknown man, driving a charcoal Dodge Durango, fired several rounds into a vehicle occupied by a 34-year-old man and his 11-year-old son.
The 34-year-old victim was struck by gunfire at least once and transported to a local hospital. His 11-year-old son received shrapnel injuries to his face and arms and was also taken to a local hospital.
Both victims received medical attention and have since been released.
Investigators learned the shooting was unprovoked, and the victims did not know Cortez and had no interaction with him prior to the shooting.
Investigators learned that, after the shooting, Cortez went to the home of his children’s mother, broke a window and tried to forcibly remove a child through the broken window. During that incident, he dropped a firearm before fleeing.
Police obtained a warrant for the arrest of Cortez, and he was located and detained Sunday evening by police in El Paso. He is currently being held without bond at the El Paso County Detention Center.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible.
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