CNJ staff photo: Liliana Castillo Capt. Patrick Whitney, left, Detective Charlie Aguirre, center, and Sgt. Max Stansell stand outside an apartment Wednesday on the corner of Seventh and Sheldon streets after executing a search warrant.
By Sharna Johnson: CNJ staff writer
Clovis police arrested a 25-year-old man Wednesday afternoon in connection with an early-morning shooting.
Nathan A. Perez was taken into custody just before 3 p.m. at a home in the 600 block of Sheldon Street after brief negotiations with police, Clovis Capt. Patrick Whitney said.
Perez surrendered without incident, Whitney said.
Perez is charged with two counts of aggravated battery, felon in possession of a firearm and shooting at a building or occupied dwelling, Whitney said.
The shooting victim, Darnell James, 34, is in stable condition after being shot in the abdomen, Whitney said.
Police responded to the emergency room at Plains Regional Medical Center early Wednesday morning after James walked in seeking treatment, a press release said.
James had several small pellet holes and scratches on his abdomen consistent with a shotgun blast, the release said.
He was transported to University Medical Center in Lubbock.
According to an arrest affidavit, James told police he was at a house in the area of Second and Lydia streets partying. He said he went to the door in response to yelling outside. He said Perez, who was in the middle of the street, shot him.
James and Perez are acquaintances and the motive for the shooting is believed to be a feud between the two over a debt, according to the release.
James told police Perez had been leaving threatening messages on his voice mail and had shot at him earlier in the day, Whitney said.
