NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas – The New Braunfels Police Department has released the name of the two individuals arrested and charged for a shooting at a popular community park overnight.
Jesus Ricardo Gallegos, 24, and Sarah Ann Garzes, 26, were each charged with one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony.
The New Braunfels Police Department says a group of soldiers from Fort Hood saw the couple arguing in the parking lot and intervened. That's when, police said, Gallegos was handed a gun from Garzes and fired a total of 19 shots, which struck two of the soldier's vehicles three times. A soldier returning fire shot a total of seven rounds with one of them grazing the suspect's right elbow.
After officers arrived, the soldiers returned to the scene and let investigators know what happened. No charges are expected to be filed against the seven soldiers involved.
Additional charges against Gallegos and Garzes could be pending. Both currently remain in custody at the Comal County Jail.
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(Original Story)
An overnight shooting at a popular New Braunfels park left two people charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Fourth of July celebrations during the day were quite different from the sights and sounds that filled the park's parking lot around 1:30 a.m. Monday.
The New Braunfels Police Department says a group of soldiers from Fort Hood saw a man and woman arguing in the parking lot and intervened. The soldiers believed they had successfully deescalated the situation between the couple from San Antonio, and began walking back to their vehicles when they heard a weapon being loaded.
The investigation so far has led police to believe the 26-year-old female retrieved a 9mm handgun from her boyfriend's vehicle and handed it to the suspect shooter before he started firing at the group of soldiers.
"One of those soldiers was able to retrieve his personal handgun from his vehicle and began returning what he described as 'cover fire,'" NBPD spokesman, David Ferguson, said.
The 24-year-old unidentified suspected shooter is accused of firing a total of 19 shots, which struck two of the soldier's vehicles three times. The soldier returning fire shot a total of seven rounds with one of them grazing the suspect's right elbow.
Initially, everyone fled the scene. Soon after officers arrived, the soldiers returned to let investigators know what happened.
The suspects have both been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Their vehicle was located at the Pilot gas station off Loop 337.
None of the soldiers, ranging in ages from 19 to 25, were injured or expected to face any charges. Police say the incident was an isolated event that didn't change any holiday staffing plans.
NBPD says the investigation is ongoing and further charges against the male and female suspects may be forthcoming. The two have not been magistrated yet due to the holiday, which is why their identities have not been released.