By Roger Lanse

On Saturday, Aug. 12, at about 4:39 p.m. a Silver City police officer was dispatched to an assault with a deadly weapon call at 407 N. Hudson Street (Laundryland).

Upon arrival, according to an incident report, the officer observed Julian Gonzales, 33, of Silver City, and an unnamed male (victim) engaged in an intense verbal argument in front of the business. The officer also saw a knife in Gonzales’ right hand. The two were about 20 feet apart and yelling. The officer drew his firearm and ordered both men to the ground and they complied.

A New Mexico State Police officer and a Grant County Sheriff’s deputy arrived, the report stated, and put both men in handcuffs.

According to the report, the victim stated as he was exiting the business, Gonzales made a racial slur at him calling him “whiteboy,” and when the victim asked him “What the f*** did you say?” Gonzales pulled a greyish pistol from his pocket and pointed it at him saying he was “gonna f****** blow your ass away.” The victim told officers that he and Gonzales have had a prior confrontational relationship involving narcotic-related encounters.

The report states it appears Gonzales then entered a vehicle with an unnamed female and left the scene, parking in the south parking lot of the business, but returning with a knife to further confront the victim, which confrontation was going on when the SCPD officer arrived.

Following up on a witness’ statement, the SCPD officer made contact with the unnamed female on scene who appeared to be an acquaintance of Gonzales and she allowed the officer to search the vehicle in which a silver/grey pistol with black grips was found. The pistol was a Sportarms 9mm and contained 11 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber, according to the report.

Other witnesses stated they saw Gonzales with a black/silver or black handgun, although Gonzales denied having one, the report said.

Gonzales was placed under arrest and transported to the Grant County Detention Center that same day, and according to GCDC staff, was released that evening.