SAN ANGELO, TX — San Angelo Police Chief Travis Griffith held a press conference Tuesday morning addressing two separate shootings that occurred over the weekend, leaving one man on life support and a teenager critically injured.
The first incident took place Saturday, Sept. 20, around 8:15 p.m. at the intersection of Ninth and Chadbourne streets. Officers found 35-year-old victim Enemenico De La Rosa suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was initially treated at Shannon Medical Center before being transferred to San Antonio for further care.
Chief Griffith said the suspect, 34-year-old Alan Helms, was still on the scene and taken into custody without incident. Helms has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and booked into the Tom Green County Jail.
Investigators believe Helms confronted De La Rosa and another individual over an alleged relationship, and multiple shots were fired during the incident. Griffith said De La Rosa remains on life support with little to no hope of recovery. If he dies, charges against Helms are expected to be upgraded.
“Our prayers are with the De La Rosa family in these difficult times,” Griffith said.
The second shooting happened Sunday, Sept. 21, around 4:40 p.m. at an apartment complex on Greenwood Street. Officers located a 19-year-old male victim with a single gunshot wound. He was transported to Shannon Medical Center in critical but stable condition.
Griffith said preliminary evidence suggests the shooting was targeted and that there was some connection between the suspect and the victim. Witnesses reported that a vehicle approached a group in the parking lot, and shots were fired, striking the teen.
No other residents at the apartment complex were affected by the shooting, though Griffith said there certainly could be a psychological impact.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, citing a lack of cooperation from some witnesses. Tips can be made anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 325-658-HELP (4357), or texting “HELP” to the same number. Or by contacting the San Angelo Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 325-657-4351.
Department Resources and Violence Trends
During the briefing, Griffith addressed broader concerns about violent crime in San Angelo, noting an increase in property crimes, family violence, and assaults. He said these smaller crimes often precede larger acts of violence.
“We don’t seem to have, as a society, an understanding that life has value,” Griffith said. “I’d encourage San Angelo folks to have hard conversations with their kids and make sure we’re reinforcing that.”
Griffith said that while the department remains understaffed, officers are working overtime, and partnerships with the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office and Texas DPS are helping address gang and drug-related violence.
He concluded by again asking the community to support both victims’ families and to share any information that may help investigators.
Video of the press conference is available below:
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