El Paso Mall Shooter Taken Down by Concealed Carry Holder

Investigation Continues on Shooting at Cielo Vista Mall

(The following is a news release published by El Paso Police Department - February 15, 2023)

El Paso, Texas - The El Paso Police Department continues the investigation of the shooting that took place Wednesday at Cielo Vista Mall. Investigators are able to confirm that an individual that is Licensed to Carry shot the suspect responsible for the murder.

Investigators have learned that at 5:05 P.M., a confrontation ensued between two groups near the food court area on the second level. The first group consisted of 17-year-old Angeles Zaragoza, a 17-year-old Hispanic male, a 14-year-old Hispanic male who was seriously injured, a 17-year-old Hispanic female, a 16-year-old Hispanic male, a 14-year-old Hispanic male, and a 14-year-old Hispanic female. The second group consisted of a 16-year-old male, who has been identified as the shooter in this incident, a 20-year-old Hispanic male who was injured, a 17-year-old Hispanic male, and a 15-year-old Hispanic male.

The confrontation between both groups escalated into a physical fight. As they fought, the 16-year-old pulled out a handgun. The suspect fatally shot 17-year-old Angeles Zaragoza and seriously wounded a 17-year-old Hispanic male who was part of the first group. In the shooting a 20-year-old Hispanic male of the second group was shot.

As soon as the shooting ended, the 16-year-old suspect began to run and was pointing the gun towards the direction of bystanders, including 32-year-old Emanuel Duran, a Licensed to Carry Holder. As the suspect ran towards Duran and bystanders, Duran drew his handgun and shot the suspect.

At that time, an off-duty El Paso Police Officer arrived at the area of the shooting and together with Duran rendered aid to the 16-year-old suspect and the others that were injured. Investigators found that there were at least two other legally armed citizens in the area of where the shooting took place, but were not involved. The investigation continues and charges are pending against the 16-year-old suspect. The 16-year-old suspect was last listed in stable condition. This is the 4th Murder for 2023 as compared to 2 at this time last year.