Weslaco police: Teens arrested in connection with 'accidental shooting' that critically injured friend
Related Story
Weslaco police arrested two teens accused of critically injuring their friend in what they’re calling an accidental shooting, according to a news release.
Officers with the Weslaco Police Department responded to the South Texas Health Systems Emergency Room on Thursday, May 4 in reference to an 18-year-old man being treated for a gunshot wound.
The teen, Gilberto Villalobos, was a passenger in a vehicle occupied by several of his friends while traveling around the 100 Block of East Interstate 2 in Weslaco when a gun that was being handled “unsafely”
The bullet struck Villalobos’ back.
During the investigation, 17-year-old Joseph Antonio Baltazar — an occupant in the vehicle — confessed to being the one who accidentally discharged the firearm, a news release stated.
Baltazar was arrested on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The gun was later located near a canal bank in the city of Alamo.
A second teen — 18-year-old Manuel Chavez Rodriguez — was also arrested and charged with tampering with evidence.
Police continue to investigate the shooting.
News
