LAS CRUCES, NM – Las Cruces police arrested a man suspected of shooting at his ex-girlfriend’s home early Monday morning.Ignacio Rivera, 41, of the 2700 block of Claude Dove Drive, is charged with one count of shooting at an occupied dwelling.
The charge is a fourth-degree felony.About 1:40 a.m. Monday, April 12, Las Cruces police were dispatched to the report of shots fired at a home on the 800 block of Alamo Street.
Officer arrived and discovered the homeowner’s bedroom wall was struck by multiple rounds of gunfire. No injuries were reported.
Investigators interviewed the homeowner who indicated her ex-boyfriend, Rivera, may have committed the crime. The woman told police she saw Rivera Sunday evening at an area convenience store, and he exchanged words with her.
Investigators determined Rivera knows the layout of his ex-girlfriend’s home and that her bedroom appeared to be targeted in the shooting. Police also found shoe prints in the alley behind the home. The shoeprints matched what Rivera was wearing when he was questioned.
Police also questioned Rivera’s new girlfriend who indicated Rivera was not home at the time of the shooting and he was not answering her messages. As police were at his home, investigating the incident, Rivera walked up to the house and was detained by police.
Investigators determined Rivera has previously been convicted of a felony. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible.
Rivera was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he is initially being held without bond.