Las Cruces man accused of shooting at former friend arrested after SWAT standoff

LAS CRUCES, NM (KFOX14/CBS4) — A Las Cruces man was arrested after he allegedly chased down a former friend and fired a gun at him at close range.

According to Las Cruces police, 26-year-old Andrew Jerome Maldonado is suspected of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, tampering with evidence and possession of a firearm by a felon in connection with the March 11 shooting.

Police said the victim was not struck by gunfire and was injured.

Maldonado reportedly ran from the scene of the shooting in the 900 block of E. Madrid Ave towards Apodaca Park where he was witnessed hiding something in weeds near a fence line.

According to police, a handgun was found at that location and an arrest warrant was obtained for Maldonado.

Maldonado was located on Tuesday, April 14, at a Super 8 Motel on La Posada Ln.

Police said several attempts were made to communicate with Maldonado by he refused to exit the room.

LCPD’s SWAT team responded to the scene and eventually took Maldonado into custody.

Maldonado was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center where he is initially being held without bond.

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