Ranchos shooter found in Albuquerque

Deputies from the Taos County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a shooting Monday (Feb. 20) afternoon on West Romero Road in Ranchos de Taos. According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, the victim and one witness identified the offender as Joey Mares, who was detained in Albuquerque the next day.

During the detainment Feb. 21, Mares also picked up additional firearm and substance charges, according to Undersheriff Jerry Hogrefe.

The victim, Antonio Mares, was Joey Mares’ cousin and sustained a non-fatal gunshot wound to the leg after Joey allegedly pulled a handgun on him and his girlfriend, according to dispatch logs. Antonio was able to transport himself to Holy Cross Medical Center to be treated for the wound.

Deputies believed Mares fled in a maroon Nissan, which was later spotted by Sheriff Steve Miera in Miranda Canyon Monday night. Miera also recognized the driver as Mares, as he was recently a parolee from the New Mexico Department of Corrections.

After a vehicle pursuit, Mares left the car and fled on foot, with deputies following suit, according to the sheriff’s office. After a few hours of searching with no results, deputies abandoned the effort.

The location of the shooting was later searched, and evidence was collected that was not specified by the press release. An arrest warrant was issued, charging Mares with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and felon in possession of a firearm, among other unspecified felony charges.

Mares will be transported to the Taos County Adult Detention Center, according to the sheriff’s office.