Juan Ayala-Montero, a 60-year-old illegal alien from Mexico residing in New Caney, is facing federal charges after allegedly firing an AR-style rifle at multiple individuals in Kings Colony, Houston, over the holiday weekend. The incident reportedly left one victim with gunshot wounds to the torso and head.
According to the federal criminal complaint, the investigation began on May 23 following an active shooter incident. Ayala-Montero allegedly made threats after an argument, then retrieved a rifle from his home. He is accused of initially shooting at the ground before directing fire at a group of individuals.
Authorities, responding to gunshots, rescued people from the residence before taking Ayala-Montero into custody. An Olympic Arms .223 AR-style rifle with a scope and approximately 30 spent .223 casings were reportedly recovered. Charges allege Ayala-Montero is not lawfully present in the United States, having been removed in 2006, and is thus prohibited from possessing a firearm.
If convicted, Ayala-Montero faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation with assistance from the FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as part of Operation Take Back America.