PLAINVIEW, Texas — Police in Plainview are searching for a 32-year-old man accused of shooting another man on a city street Friday morning, in a Plainview shooting that sent the victim to the hospital with a gunshot wound.
TL;DR: Jeremiah Gonzales, 32, is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after investigators say he threatened a 34-year-old man in the 2800 block of Houston Street and fired two shots shortly before 11 a.m. on Oct. 9. One bullet struck the victim, who was treated at Covenant Hospital Plainview. Gonzales allegedly fled in a Chevrolet Tahoe, which police later recovered. A warrant has been issued, and police describe Gonzales as 5-foot-10, 225 pounds, with brown hair, hazel eyes, and a large neck tattoo. He is considered dangerous — do not approach him; call 911.
How the morning unfolded
According to a statement from the Plainview Police Department, the case began not at a crime scene but at a hospital. Officers were called to Covenant Hospital Plainview, where staff reported that a 34-year-old man was being treated for a gunshot wound.
Investigators pieced together what happened next: the wounded man had been in the 2800 block of Houston Street when Gonzales allegedly threatened him and then fired two shots. One of the bullets struck the victim, who was not immediately identified by police.
As the wounded man was taken to the emergency room, Gonzales allegedly fled the scene in a Chevrolet Tahoe. Police later recovered the vehicle, but Gonzales himself remained at large as of Friday.
How police built the case
Plainview police said a warrant for Gonzales was obtained based on two key pieces of evidence: information from the man who was shot and video surveillance from the area.
The charge — aggravated assault with a deadly weapon — is a serious felony under Texas law, reflecting both the use of a firearm and the severity of the victim’s injuries. Police have not said whether the two men knew each other or what may have led to the confrontation on Houston Street.
Investigators are continuing to follow leads, and additional details about the victim’s condition have not been released.
Who police are looking for
Police released a detailed description of the suspect in hopes the public can help locate him:
Jeremiah Gonzales, 32 — 5 feet 10 inches tall, 225 pounds, with brown hair, hazel eyes, and a large neck tattoo.
Authorities stress that Gonzales should be considered dangerous. Anyone who sees him or knows where he is should call 911 immediately and should not attempt to approach or confront him.
Witnesses to the shooting, or anyone with information about the offense, can also contact Detective Nieto or Captain Balderas at the Plainview Police Department through dispatch at (806) 296-1182.
A Friday morning that turned violent
Plainview, a city of about 20,000 in the Texas Panhandle roughly 45 miles north of Lubbock, does not often make headlines for street shootings. Friday’s gunfire on Houston Street — in broad daylight, shortly before 11 a.m. — rattled a community where violent crime of this kind is relatively rare.
Police have not indicated whether the shooting was connected to any ongoing dispute, and they have asked residents to let investigators do their work rather than speculate. For now, the priority is straightforward: find Gonzales, and make sure no one else gets hurt.
Source: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the suspect in the Plainview shooting?
Jeremiah Gonzales, 32. He is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and is wanted by Plainview police. He is described as 5-foot-10, 225 pounds, with brown hair, hazel eyes, and a large neck tattoo.
What happened on Oct. 9 in Plainview?
Shortly before 11 a.m., investigators say Gonzales threatened a 34-year-old man in the 2800 block of Houston Street and fired two shots. One bullet struck the victim, who was treated at Covenant Hospital Plainview.
Has the suspect been caught?
As of the latest police statement, no. Gonzales allegedly fled in a Chevrolet Tahoe, which police later recovered, but he remained at large. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
What should I do if I see Jeremiah Gonzales?
Call 911 immediately and do not approach him. Police consider him dangerous. You can also contact Detective Nieto or Captain Balderas at the Plainview Police Department via dispatch at (806) 296-1182.
What is the victim’s condition?
Police have not released details about the 34-year-old victim’s condition or identity. He was being treated for a gunshot wound at Covenant Hospital Plainview.
Where is Plainview, Texas?
Plainview is a city of about 20,000 in the Texas Panhandle, roughly 45 miles north of Lubbock.
Did the two men know each other?
Police have not said whether Gonzales and the victim knew each other or what led to the confrontation. The investigation is ongoing.
Featured image: Police respond to a crime scene in Texas. Image via Townsquare Media / AP.
