EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso Police identified the two men who allegedly trespassed in a vacant apartment which led to an officer-involved shooting on Tuesday, Feb. 20 in West El Paso.
Police say Efrain Rivera III, 24 and Dominick Giangrossi, 22, entered a vacant apartment on the 7200 block of Royal Arms at around 3 a.m. that Tuesday.
Left: Efrain Rivera III, 24 Right: Dominick Giangrossi, 22 Photo: EPPD
Two officers, a four-year veteran and a one-year veteran approached the area and heard loud noises from inside the residence, according to police.
The officers positioned themselves at the back of the home and observed both men heading into the backyard, according to police.
The four-year veteran drew his weapon while the one-year veteran deployed a less-lethal weapon, according to police.
Both men were instructed to surrender, but Rivera refused and threw a large rock at the officers, which prompted the four-year veteran to discharge his weapon, according to police.
Rivera fled the scene but was pursued by the four-year veteran who discharged his gun again.
The four-year veteran also deployed his taser, but Rivera continued to evade, according to police.
Rivera sustained a gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital where he remained in critical but stable condition.
Giangrossi was apprehended by the one-year veteran inside the vacant residence after resisting arrest.
Giangrossi was charged with criminal mischief, resisting arrest, search or transport, and criminal tresspass/ habitation and booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility with a total bond of $20,000. However, he posted bond on Friday, Feb. 23.
Earlier this week, on Monday, Feb. 26, Rivera was taken into custody after being discharged from the hospital.
Rivera was charged with two counts of aggravated assault against a public servant, criminal mischief, and criminal trespass/ habitation and booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility with a total bond of $170,000.
The case continues to be investigated concurrently by the Crimes Against Persons Unit, El Paso Police Internal Affairs, and the Texas Rangers from the Department of Public Safety.
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