LAS CRUCES, New Mexico — Authorities have identified a Las Cruces public school bus driver as the victim of a deadly shooting earlier this month. Juan Javier Lujan Garces, 29, was found in his vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Law enforcement officials responded to the tragic incident, which took place on West Picacho Avenue. Upon arrival, they discovered Lujan Garces unresponsive inside his car. Despite efforts from first responders to revive him, he did not survive. The investigation quickly led to the arrest of 35-year-old Pancho Garcia, who faces charges connected to the shooting.
Following the shooting, Garcia barricaded himself inside a motel room on the 1700 block of West Picacho Avenue. A police spokesperson stated that after negotiation attempts failed, SWAT team members intervened. They gained access to the room around 11:30 a.m., prompting Garcia to exit without further incident. Authorities confirmed that no shots were discharged by police during the operation and reported no additional injuries.
Crime scene investigators initially established a perimeter around the motel, restricting access to West Picacho Avenue between Quesenberry Street and Motel Boulevard. Officers advised nearby residents to either evacuate the area or secure themselves indoors while motorists were urged to find alternative routes. A significant police presence remained throughout the day as officers worked to gather evidence.
Updating the public on the situation, Las Cruces Police Public Information Officer Dan Trujillo stated that details regarding the suspect’s criminal history and motive for the shooting would be provided as the investigation progressed. Meanwhile, Garcia was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center without bond.
As the community mourns the loss of Lujan Garces, who served as a bus driver for STS New Mexico, questions surrounding the incident and the suspect’s background emerge. Local schools and parents are also navigating the emotional impact of this violence, particularly as it involves an employee who interacted regularly with the community’s children.
With the investigation ongoing, police schedule a press briefing to share further insights into the case, hoping to offer some clarity to a shaken community.