Shooting suspect still remains at large

An Albuquerque man remained at large more than a week after he was accused of shooting a man and carjacking another in Tucumcari.

Alex Joe Patrick Gutierrez, 24, was wanted on charges of first-degree kidnapping, attempted first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Quay County Crime Stoppers has offered a $1,000 reward for information that leads to Gutierrez's arrest. Those with information should call (575) 461-3507. Callers can remain anonymous.

Tucumcari Police Chief Patti Lopez said New Mexico State Police and the Quay County Sheriff's Office conducted unsuccessful operations Friday in Tucumcari to see whether they could capture Gutierrez.

According to an affidavit filed with Gutierrez's arrest warrant, he shot Joseph Portillo in the abdomen during an argument over a backpack shortly after noon on Sept. 21 at an apartment at 621 W. High St. in Tucumcari.

Kimberly Daniels was in the apartment during the confrontation. Though Gutierrez wore a ski mask during the incident, she said she recognized his eyes from meeting him three days earlier.

After the shooting, Gutierrez was accused of carjacking a pickup driven by Nathaniel Estergo, who saw a second masked man with him.

As Gutierrez held a gun to his head, Estergo was ordered to drive around Tucumcari until he was told to drop them off in the Oak Avenue area.

Tucumcari Police turned over the investigation of the shooting and carjacking to state police.