Suspect in custody after Friday night Taos shooting incident

A 21-year-old Taos County mother is reported to be a shooting victim in an incident that occurred Friday night (Feb. 3) in the town of Taos. According to the lead detective, a suspect in the case has been arrested and is being held at the Taos County Adult Detention Center.

Det. Barry Holfelder said a series of events began about 9:20 p.m. Friday when a call was reported to police of "shots fired" from a service station at the corner of Paseo del Pueblo Sur and Paseo del Cañon.

Shortly afterward, he said a call was received from Holy Cross Hospital regarding a young woman suffering a gunshot wound who was brought in by friends. She apparently had been sitting in the backseat of a vehicle when the incident occurred. It not known what precipitated the incident as the investigation is continuing.

The victim, whose name has not been officially released, was in critical condition and immediately flown to University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque. No official word has been released about her condition. Holfelder confirmed she is a parent.

While members of the State Police Crime Unit were collecting eight shell casings from the scene, Holfelder said, another report to police of shots fired came in from the Talpa area. Officers responded and were able to take into custody the "possible shooter." That person, Holfelder said, is Brandon Lopez. He is at present being held in the Taos County Adult Detention Center.

This is an ongoing investigation and as more information is gathered this story will be updated.