Road Rage Shooting Arrest: Albuquerque Police Capture Suspect After SWAT Standoff Near West Mesa High School.

Road Rage Shooting Arrest,  Albuquerque Police Capture Suspect After SWAT Standoff Near West Mesa High School.

Authorities with the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) have arrested a suspect accused of carrying out a road rage shooting last week that left two people injured in northwest Albuquerque. The arrest followed a tense SWAT standoff on March 10, 2026, near a home close to West Mesa High School.

Investigators with APD’s Gun Violence Reduction Unit identified 22-year-old Houston Raul Ruiz Licon as the man suspected of opening fire on another vehicle during a confrontation on March 3 in the area of 800 Coors Boulevard N.W. According to police, the shooting injured a 30-year-old woman and a 17-year-old male. Both victims were transported to a hospital where they received treatment for gunshot wounds.

Detectives say the incident began when a family caravan was traveling to a nearby Walmart. Court documents allege that Ruiz Licon began provoking the group while driving. Moments later, gunfire erupted, striking the victims’ vehicle. A ShotSpotter alert later confirmed that at least five shots were fired during the incident.

Following the shooting, investigators released photos of an older-model pickup truck believed to be involved. Tips quickly began flowing in through Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers, while license-plate reader technology helped police narrow down the suspect.

According to the criminal complaint, Ruiz Licon worked at Shamrock Foods, a warehouse food distribution company serving both restaurants and the public. Authorities say tips from individuals familiar with the truck helped confirm his identity.

Ruiz Licon was ultimately taken into custody at a home in southwest Albuquerque following the SWAT response. He now faces charges including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon as the investigation continues.