Albuquerque Road Rage Fatality: Two Suspects Arrested in El Paso for Bystander’s Death
POLICY WIRE — Albuquerque, New Mexico — Law enforcement officials have apprehended two individuals in connection with a fatal road rage incident that claimed the life of a bystander. Rory Horowitz...
POLICY WIRE — Albuquerque, New Mexico — Law enforcement officials have apprehended two individuals in connection with a fatal road rage incident that claimed the life of a bystander.
Rory Horowitz and Ellyssa Salazar were taken into custody on Wednesday at a residence in El Paso, Texas. They are implicated in the death of Roberto Carlos Pineda Arriaza, who succumbed to a gunshot wound to the head while in his front yard.
Fatal Crossfire in Southwest Albuquerque
The 21-year-old victim, Arriaza, passed away on Tuesday evening, three days after being caught in the violent exchange of gunfire. The tragic shooting unfolded on a Saturday evening in southwest Albuquerque.
Arriaza had been showcasing his recently acquired motorcycle to a friend when two unrelated vehicles, identified as a BMW and a Mitsubishi, initiated a road rage confrontation. Both vehicles reportedly opened fire on each other, inadvertently striking Arriaza.
Investigators swiftly identified Salazar as the registered owner of the Mitsubishi, the vehicle from which Horowitz allegedly discharged his weapon during the altercation.
Collaboration between the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), the U.S. Marshals Service, and Texas law enforcement agencies led to the successful tracking and apprehension of the suspects in El Paso.
Charges Filed Against Suspects
Horowitz now faces severe charges, including an open count of murder. Additionally, he is charged with seven counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one count of shooting at or from a motor vehicle, and one count of aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm.
Salazar’s charges encompass tampering with evidence and harboring a fugitive, indicating her alleged involvement in assisting Horowitz post-incident.
Connected Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
In a separate but related development, Albuquerque police have arrested an individual associated with the BMW involved in the incident. While the BCSO did not release the suspect’s identity, they confirmed charges of aggravated fleeing of a law enforcement officer and reckless driving.
Crucially, detectives have yet to uncover evidence suggesting this third suspect discharged any firearms during the road rage incident. The search for the Mitsubishi involved in the shooting remains active.
The investigation is currently ongoing, and authorities anticipate that further charges may be filed as more evidence is gathered. The public is encouraged to provide any relevant information to the BCSO or submit anonymous tips via Tip411.
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