Albuquerque police have identified the man who was wounded in a gunfire exchange near Sandia Resort and Casino early this morning as 27-year-old Gabriel Sanchez.
The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. in the parking lot of the popular casino, where Sanchez was involved in a heated argument with another individual. Police responded to reports of gunfire and found Sanchez lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds.
According to witnesses at the scene, the altercation between Sanchez and the other individual escalated quickly, leading to both parties pulling out firearms and exchanging shots. The other individual fled the scene before police arrived.
Sanchez was rushed to University of New Mexico Hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition. Police have not provided any updates on his prognosis.
Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage from the casino in an effort to identify the other individual involved in the shooting. They are also interviewing witnesses to gather more information about the circumstances leading up to the gunfire exchange.
Sandia Resort and Casino released a statement following the incident, expressing their concern for the safety of their patrons and employees. They have cooperated fully with the police investigation and are assisting authorities in any way they can.
This is not the first time there has been violence near Sandia Resort and Casino. In 2018, a shooting in the casino parking lot left one man dead and several others injured.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Albuquerque police immediately. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 505-843-STOP.
As the investigation into this morning’s shooting continues, residents and visitors to Albuquerque are reminded to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities.