2 Mexican immigrants shot in robbery attempt
By Kevin Buey For the Sun-News
Article Launched: 07/03/2007 12:00:00 AM MDT


DEMING — Two Mexican immigrants were transported by helicopter Sunday from Columbus to Thomason Hospital in El Paso for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries following an attempted robbery in the desert, authorities said.

Antelmo Quintero Diaz, 40, and Juan Jose Fuentes, 26, told Luna County sheriff's deputies they were with a group of 16 people crossing the desert from Mexico to New Mexico. Diaz and Fuentes said while they were still in Mexico, they were accosted by three men who demanded their wallets. One of the men held a handgun.

Fuentes identified the gunman as a 20-year-old named Avalos, with numerous tattoos, including a tattoo of a skull on the back of his hand.

Diaz and Fuentes said Avalos pointed a gun at Diaz's head. When Diaz turned and attempted to grab the weapon, the gun fired, striking Diaz in the left hand. Diaz was then shot in the right leg and Fuentes in the left leg, according to authorities.

The rest of the group then scattered and the suspects fled.

Diaz and Fuentes sought help from the U.S. Border Patrol once reaching New Mexico. The Border Patrol then notified the Luna County Sheriff's Department.

Medical conditions were unavailable Monday.

http://www.lcsun-news.com/news/ci_6285987