EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – A man wanted in California on a parole violation now faces federal charges for allegedly carrying a firearm in Downtown El Paso and daring police officers to “shoot him” and “kill him.”
The incident took place earlier this month when passers-by flagged down El Paso Police Department officers on North Santa Fe Street near Southwest University Park regarding a shirtless man with body tattoos with a firearm visible from his waistband.
One of the officers approached the individual later identified as Miguel Bautista and asked him what he was carrying in his waistband. Bautista allegedly responded, “What do you think?” and proceeded to dare the officer to shoot him, according to a federal criminal complaint filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.
Officers requested the assistance of EPPD’s Crisis Management Team and Crisis Intervention Team, which assisted in taking Bautista into custody without further incident.
El Paso police seized a .45-caliber pistol with five rounds – including one in the chamber of the gun – from Bautista and booked him at the El Paso County Jail. A records check revealed he had a pending extradition warrant from California on a parole violation and three prior felony convictions for possession of a concealed gun and making criminal threats.
Bautista has been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection with the March 6 event.
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