On April 24, 2025, a violent drive-by shooting spree in El Paso, Texas, left the community shaken and raised significant concerns about public safety and law enforcement’s response times. The spree resulted in multiple shootings across the city, with authorities initially investigating two separate incidents, one on the 600 block of Nino Aguilera Street in South Central El Paso and another on the 200 block of Hillview Avenue in the Upper Valley area. Antonio Abel Morales, 32, Jordan James Yarde, 17, and a 16-year-old accomplice were arrested in connection with the shootings. However, a new twist emerged when a witness came forward with details of a third, previously unreported shooting, which led to additional charges being filed against the suspects.

As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that Morales, the alleged “getaway driver,” and Yarde, along with the 16-year-old suspect, were involved in a series of reckless and dangerous shootings. While no one was physically harmed in the shootings, the incidents have raised serious questions about the consequences of gun violence in urban areas and the effectiveness of law enforcement’s response.

This article takes a deep dive into the details of the April 24 shooting spree, the subsequent arrests, the charges against the suspects, and the broader implications of this crime for El Paso. It also explores the challenges faced by the community in the aftermath of the violence, as well as the legal and social ramifications of these incidents.

The Shooting Spree: A Sequence of Events

On the afternoon of April 24, 2025, the city of El Paso became the site of a chaotic and dangerous shooting spree. The spree started when Antonio Abel Morales and his accomplices reportedly went on a rampage, firing at multiple locations across the city. The first known shooting took place on the 600 block of Nino Aguilera Street, located in the South Central part of El Paso. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and seeing a blue Honda Ridgeline pickup truck speeding away from the area, with at least one person believed to have been hanging out of the windows of the truck and firing at a targeted location.

The second shooting occurred on the 200 block of Hillview Avenue in El Paso’s Upper Valley. This shooting was initially reported to police after an eyewitness came forward with information. The victim, thankfully, did not suffer any physical injuries, but the attack left the community in shock and led to multiple law enforcement agencies springing into action. At this stage, it appeared that the shooting spree was intentional and that the perpetrators had no regard for public safety.

However, the shooting spree did not end there. A third shooting surfaced in the investigation, which had not been initially reported by law enforcement. This third incident occurred in close proximity to the Hillview Avenue shooting, on the 200 block of Fairview, just a block away from the second location. A witness in the area described seeing the same blue Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, with three to four men hanging out of the windows, firing a handgun in their direction. Fearing for his life, the witness called 911 at approximately 3 p.m., but police did not arrive at the scene until later in the evening, citing other high-priority calls.

The delayed police response to the third shooting has raised concerns about the efficiency of law enforcement’s reaction time, and the witness’s account has been crucial in building the case against the suspects.

The Arrests: Connecting the Dots

After the shooting spree, law enforcement quickly sprang into action to locate the suspects. Officers from the El Paso Police Department (EPPD), assisted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), began piecing together evidence from the crime scenes and identifying the vehicle used by the suspects.

On April 24, 2025, police spotted the blue Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, which had been described in witness reports, at a gas station near Paisano and Saint Vrain in Central El Paso. The officers arrested Antonio Abel Morales and Jordan James Yarde, as well as a 16-year-old accomplice, and took them into custody for their involvement in the shootings.

Upon their arrest, the officers discovered a black AR-style rifle in the backseat floorboard of the vehicle, which further linked the suspects to the violent spree. The discovery of the rifle suggested that the shooters were heavily armed and prepared to engage in further acts of violence, making the situation all the more dangerous for innocent bystanders.

As the investigation progressed, it became clear that Antonio Morales was the “getaway driver” for the drive-by shootings, while Jordan Yarde and the 16-year-old were the ones actively shooting at the targeted locations. Their actions have been categorized as reckless and endangering the public’s safety, with the additional finding that they were shooting from a moving vehicle, making it incredibly difficult for police to respond in real-time.

The Witness’ Role: A Critical Revelation

The newly revealed third shooting, which had not been reported until the witness came forward, has played a pivotal role in shaping the ongoing investigation. The witness, who lived near the scene of the second shooting on Hillview Avenue, reported seeing the blue Honda Ridgeline truck with men hanging out of the windows and firing at him. The witness immediately called 911 to report the incident, but his call went unanswered until later that evening.

The fact that the witness was able to provide a detailed account of the shooting and identify Morales and Yarde from a photo lineup was instrumental in the arrests. This new evidence has brought clarity to the case and further solidified the connection between the suspects and the shootings, providing the police with the necessary evidence to press forward with formal charges.

The witness’s delayed response to the initial 911 call has raised questions about the prioritization of emergency calls. Law enforcement officials have acknowledged the high volume of incidents and “high-priority calls” they were dealing with at the time, but the delay in responding to a shooting spree has sparked criticism from some community members and local leaders.

The Charges: What the Suspects Face

As of the latest updates, the suspects Antonio Abel Morales and Jordan James Yarde face multiple felony charges for their involvement in the shooting spree. Morales, 32, has been charged with “deadly conduct discharge firearm” and “discharge firearm in certain municipalities.” In addition, Yarde, 17, has been charged with similar offenses, as well as “aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.”

The charges against the suspects carry significant legal consequences, and both Morales and Yarde are expected to face serious penalties if convicted. The added charge of “aggravated assault with a deadly weapon” suggests that authorities are taking the violence seriously, especially given the fact that multiple rounds were fired in a public area, endangering the lives of many in the vicinity.

Both suspects are currently being held in custody, with bond amounts set at $73,000 for Morales and $23,000 for Yarde. The 16-year-old suspect, whose name has not been released due to their age, has also been arrested and is facing charges related to the shooting spree.

The legal proceedings will likely be complex, as the prosecution will need to prove that the suspects acted with intent and recklessness, knowingly endangering the lives of innocent people. With multiple charges and the involvement of a firearm, the suspects could face long prison sentences if convicted of the most serious offenses.

The Community’s Response: Calls for Justice and Change

In the wake of the shooting spree, the El Paso community has expressed shock and dismay over the reckless actions of the suspects. Local leaders, residents, and advocates have called for greater attention to gun violence prevention, especially among young people. The drive-by shooting spree, which could have easily resulted in fatalities, has spurred a broader conversation about the accessibility of firearms, youth involvement in violence, and the need for stronger law enforcement responses to prevent such incidents.

For many residents, the shooting spree has become a wake-up call. The fact that the violence occurred in broad daylight, in public areas, and with such disregard for human life has left many feeling uneasy about their safety. There are growing calls for stricter gun control measures, as well as increased efforts to engage with at-risk youth and reduce gang-related violence in the city.

At the same time, the incident has also sparked discussions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in responding to violent crimes and ensuring that appropriate resources are allocated to address issues like gun violence and youth gang activity. Although the police were eventually able to arrest the suspects, the delay in responding to the initial 911 call has raised concerns about resource allocation and prioritization during critical incidents.

Implications for Gun Violence Prevention and Youth Safety

The shooting spree in El Paso is just one example of the growing problem of youth violence and gun-related crime in the United States. Experts point to a range of contributing factors, including easy access to firearms, a lack of effective conflict resolution programs, and socioeconomic challenges faced by many communities.

To prevent future incidents like the one in El Paso, experts argue that a comprehensive approach is needed—one that addresses the root causes of violence while also strengthening gun laws. This includes investing in community-based programs that engage young people in positive activities, providing better access to mental health resources, and implementing stricter regulations on firearm sales and ownership.

In El Paso, as in many other cities, gun violence continues to be a pressing issue, and the tragic events of April 24, 2025, serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by easy access to firearms and the need for action to prevent further violence.

Conclusion: Justice for the Victims and the Road Ahead

The arrests of Antonio Abel Morales, Jordan James Yarde, and the 16-year-old suspect bring the investigation into the El Paso shooting spree one step closer to closure, but the case is far from over. As the legal process unfolds, the community and the families of the victims will await justice for the harm caused by this reckless act of violence.

At the same time, the El Paso incident highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing gun violence in urban communities. For young people like Morales and Yarde, the consequences of their actions may have far-reaching effects on their futures, while also serving as a reminder of the dangers of engaging in violent acts.

As the city of El Paso grapples with the aftermath of this senseless violence, the hope is that the lessons learned from this tragedy will spur further efforts to prevent youth violence and ensure that the next generation grows up in a safer and more peaceful environment.