Santa Fe Man Arrested After Teen Injured by Stolen Firearm

A 17-year-old male sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his leg overnight Friday after accidentally triggering a stolen firearm while inspecting it in the backseat of a car at Las Acequias Park, police said.

Delayed Medical Attention Leads to Police Discovery

The incident came to light after the injured teen went to bed without seeking immediate medical attention. His guardian discovered the injury the following morning and contacted authorities. Santa Fe police officers subsequently tracked down the teenager at the hospital where he received treatment.

Investigators Trace Weapon to 20-Year-Old Acquaintance

According to police statements detailed by KOAT, the juvenile told investigators he had spent the prior evening with a 20-year-old acquaintance, Juan Carlos Ramirez Olvera of Santa Fe. Detectives contacted Ramirez Olvera and located the firearm while processing him for evidence, subsequently running the serial number to discover it had been reported stolen. Ramirez Olvera told detectives he had recently purchased the weapon from an acquaintance.

Vehicle Mishap at Las Acequias Park Triggers Discharge

Investigators reconstructing the timeline learned that Ramirez Olvera and the teen were sitting inside a vehicle at Las Acequias Park on Friday night. Ramirez Olvera informed the teenager that a gun was resting in the backseat. When the 17-year-old climbed into the back to look at the firearm, he inadvertently placed his finger on the trigger, causing a negligent discharge.

Arrest Made as Police Continue Tracing Weapon Origin

Following the shooting, Ramirez Olvera drove the juvenile home. While Ramirez Olvera told authorities he encouraged the teen to seek hospital treatment, the injured youth refused.

Police arrested and booked Ramirez Olvera on a charge of receiving stolen property. Authorities confirmed that the investigation remains active as detectives continue tracing the origin of the stolen weapon and the circumstances surrounding its purchase.