Investigators look over the scene where Metro Police shot a man Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011, after the man shot a woman and threatened officers.
Friday, Feb. 18, 2011 | 4:51 p.m.
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Freeway shooting
KSNV coverage of officer-involved shooting along Blue Diamond Road, near I-15, Feb. 17, 2011.
A man who allegedly shot a woman before firing at officers and a passing motorist was identified Friday afternoon by Metro Police.
Jose Castro Jr., 29, of Chandler, Ariz., was booked in absentia into the Clark County Detention Center on charges of attempted murder with a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm at or into a structure or vehicle. He remained at the University Medical Center trauma unit Friday in critical condition.
Police haven't identified the woman who was shot, but said Thursday her injuries were critical, although she was expected to survive.
Police Lt. Lew Roberts said Castro was in an SUV with two male friends and a woman he was in a relationship with when a dispute erupted between Castro and the woman. The SUV had been northbound on I-15, but the driver exited at westbound Blue Diamond Road as the dispute became more heated.
Police said Castro punched one of his friends and then assaulted the woman. The friend who was driving parked the vehicle and tried to calm Castro, who then allegedly pulled out a shotgun, Roberts said.
The woman and the two friends ran from the car, but the Castro followed, shooting the woman as motorists drove past, police said.
The two men ran for safety to a nearby Jack in the Box and weren't injured, Roberts said. Police said the man displayed a shotgun to police and fired at officers, prompting police to return fire.
The officers were placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation. Their names weren't released Friday.
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