A suspect wanted in connection with the March 11 shooting of a Big Spring man has been arrested, according to local law enforcement officials, who say they are ready to turn the case over to the district attorney’s office.
Martinez
Tony Martinez Jr., 18, of 706 N. Goliad, turned himself in to the Howard County Sheriff’s Office Friday and was arrested on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
According to Sgt. Tony Everett, public information officer with the Big Spring Police Department, law enforcement officers have been searching for Martinez since he was identified as a suspect in the case.
“Apparently, Mr. Martinez turned himself in to the sheriff’s office,” said Everett. “We haven’t been able to question him, and I’m not sure that we will. However, we’re ready to turn the case and the evidence over to the district attorney’s office.
An arrest warrant was issued for Martinez for the shooting of 19-year-old Edward Lopez, according to Everett.
“Officers arrived on the scene to find Edward Lopez, 19, had been wounded,” said Everett. “Lopez had a wound behind his ear and one on his shoulder. He was transported to the emergency room at Scenic Mountain Medical Center, where he was treated for non life-threatening injuries.”
According to Everett, Lopez and another male subject were sitting in a vehicle near the residence when a second vehicle stopped in front of the home.
“A subject in the second vehicle fired at least three rounds from a 12 gauge shotgun,” said Everett. “The rounds struck Lopez, as well as the vehicle he was in. The other occupant of the vehicle was not injured.”
While the motive for the shooting is still unclear, Everett said officers investigating the shooting have received information the incident was gang-related.
Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at
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