Crime
23-year-old Cetho Alvarez and his 44-year-old father killed after shooting at gas station in Sioux Falls
A double homicide occurred Thursday night at a gas station in western Sioux Falls, resulting in the deaths of a 23-year-old Cetho Alvarez and a 44-year-old man.
According to Sioux Falls Police Department spokesman Sam Clemens, the incident stemmed from a mistaken identity.
The 23-year-old man had been assaulted earlier in the evening and believed the individuals responsible were a group of motorcyclists.
The 23-year-old man, accompanied by the 44-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy, followed a group of motorcyclists to the gas station located at 41st Street and Sertoma Avenue. Armed with bats, the three men confronted the motorcyclists.
A physical altercation ensued, during which the 23-year-old man swung a bat at a 26-year-old individual. In response, the 26-year-old pulled out a gun and shot both the 23-year-old and the 44-year-old man who was also swinging a bat.
A 42-year-old woman, who was part of the group that confronted the motorcyclists, pointed a gun at the 26-year-old man. He shot her as well, but she survived and was treated at a hospital.
The 26-year-old man who shot the three individuals has not been arrested and is cooperating with police.
He claims to have acted in self-defense while trying to avoid being hit with a bat.
Traffic camera footage confirmed that the motorcyclists the 23-year-old man believed were responsible for the earlier assault were actually at a different location.
At least two guns were involved in the shooting incident. Police believe these were the only firearms used.
The 42-year-old woman who was shot has been identified as Darinda Janette Martinez.
An arrest warrant has been issued for her on charges of aggravated assault.
This incident is considered unusual, and police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the earlier assault on the 23-year-old man.
Armwood High School in Seffner, Florida, is currently under lockdown following reports of a weapon discovered on campus.
School administrators have restricted all student movement within the school building to ensure safety, and no one is permitted to leave classrooms or move freely in the hallways at this time.
The school is working closely with local law enforcement, who are on-site conducting a thorough investigation to determine the situation and ensure the safety of all students and staff.
Parents and guardians have been notified, and additional updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Authorities are urging parents to avoid the campus area until the lockdown is lifted and safety protocols have been fully addressed.