Juan Ayala-Montero faces federal charges after being accused of firing an AR-style rifle during a New Caney neighborhood altercation, per the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A 60-year-old man accused of opening fire with an AR-style rifle during a chaotic shooting in the Kings Colony neighborhood in New Caney over Memorial Day weekend is now facing federal charges, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Federal prosecutors announced Tuesday that Juan Ayala-Montero, who officials say is an undocumented immigrant from Mexico living in New Caney, has been charged with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
The charges stem from what was initially reported as an active shooter situation on May 23 in the Kings Colony neighborhood, where Montgomery County deputies and multiple law enforcement agencies responded after reports of gunfire.
Investigators say the incident began around 1 p.m. after an argument between Ayala-Montero and a group of individuals, including 17-year-old Uziel Samano. According to the federal criminal complaint, Ayala-Montero allegedly made threats before walking to his home, retrieving an AR-style rifle and firing shots.
Authorities allege he initially shot at the ground before turning the weapon toward the group and firing multiple rounds. Investigators recovered about 30 spent .223 shell casings at the scene.
Family members previously told KHOU 11 that several people, including young children, were at the home when the shooting happened.
“He was just pointing at everybody and he let out shots on everybody,” Camilo Samano, the victim’s brother, said.
Federal authorities now say one victim suffered gunshot wounds to the torso and head. The injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
According to the complaint, deputies responding to the scene heard gunshots coming from the residence as they began rescuing people nearby. Additional law enforcement officers later arrived and took Ayala-Montero into custody.
Authorities say investigators recovered an Olympic Arms .223 AR-style rifle with a scope from Ayala-Montero’s bedroom.
Officials also allege Ayala-Montero was deported from the United States in 2006 and did not have legal permission to reenter the country, making it illegal under federal law for him to possess a firearm or ammunition.
Ayala-Montero was already facing a state charge of deadly conduct, discharging a firearm. He remains in custody and is expected to make his first appearance in federal court soon.
If convicted on the federal charge, he faces up to 15 years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office investigated with assistance from the FBI and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
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