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Tomas Rivas, 20, the sole adult apprehended in the Young Park shooting, which left three dead and 15 injured, was reportedly involved in what officials are calling a “limited scuffle” at the Doña Ana County Detention Center.
Eduardo Estrada, spokesperson for the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office, said in an email that his office has not had an indication that there have been any threats received in relation to Rivas. But Estrada said Rivas was involved in a “limited scuffle,” since entering the facility after his arrest on Sunday. Estrada said guards broke up the altercation quickly.
The Doña Ana County Detention Center did not respond to a request for comment. Las Cruces Police spokesperson Dan Trujillo directed the Bulletin’s inquiry about Rivas’ safety to the detention center.
Rivas made an appearance in Doña Ana Magistrate Court on Monday, during which the judge told Rivas he may face a grand jury trial and that he will continue to be held in custody. Third Judicial District Attorney Fernando Macias’ office argued that given the severity of the alleged shooting and the nature of Rivas’ pending charges in El Paso County in Texas, he should be considered a danger to the community and should not be released on bond. Rivas faces charges for smuggling individuals, evading arrest and was previously arrested for Transporting an Alien who is Unlawfully Present in the United States in El Paso County.
Rivas is being housed in a single person cell in the Doña Ana County Detention Cetner and is not in restrictive housing, according to Estrada. Rivas also has access to the dayroom, Estrada said.
“He certainly has the right to request it (restrictive housing) if he feels he is in danger. At this time, we have no indication that the detention center has received any threats in relation to Mr. Rivas,” Estrada said.
Estrada added that the detention center is a secure facility with professionally, well-trained staff members. Placement of any new inmate is always considered for safety concerns, he said.
“The staff are aware of concerns surrounding high profile cases and will deal accordingly with the information they receive,” Estrada said.
