Basketball game ends in shooting

By Leslie Wood
Staff writer

GALLUP — A 19-year-old man was shot late Friday following an argument at the Indian Hills basketball courts.

Deputy Police Chief John Allen, a spokesman for the Gallup Police Department, said a group of people were playing basketball at the courts at about 11:30 p.m. when an argument about money ensued between two of the players. The dispute was reportedly about money that was owed to one of the games’ participants.

Allen said one of the two men subsequently shot the other in the abdomen and ankle with a .380 caliber pistol. The victim was taken to the Gallup Indian Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. He is expected to survive, but remains hospitalized.

The 18-year-old suspect has not been arrested; however, authorities are in the final stages of identifying him and plan to make an arrest as soon as possible.

Allen said police officers found the pistol hidden in a mailbox in the Indian Hills neighborhood Saturday. He released no additional details about the investigation as of Monday morning.