Assailant with Bowie Knife Arrested on Assault Charges

SAN ANGELO — A San Angelo man has been apprehended following an incident involving threats made with a bowie knife. 

The defendant was identified as 36-year-old Andrew Ornelas. 

Ornelas allegedly menaced another individual, declaring he was going to "get blasted" while brandishing the weapon.

The incident came to light on February 17 when a call for service was initiated at the Marshalls store situated in the 4000 block of Sunset within the Sunset Mall.

According to information obtained by San Angelo Live, an officer responding to the call met with the victim, who described an individual with a freshly braided hairstyle in a black Chrysler 300. 

The victim reported that Ornelas, while at his place of employment, repeatedly asked him, "Do you want to get blasted?"

Feeling threatened, the victim attempted to leave the premises in his vehicle, only to realize that Ornelas was tailing him. 

The victim then opted to go into the store at Marshalls, which he knew had more available witnesses and cameras. 

The information continues to read that the victim said that Ornelas got out and approached the victim “aggressively” while continuing to ask if he “wanted to get blasted.” 

Notably, Ornelas had a large knife in a black sheath, actively attempting to unsheath it as he closed in on the victim.

When the victim went inside the store and got on the phone, it was the only time the defendant left. 

However, shortly after, another call was received near the 700 block of E. 18th, reporting an armed individual.

According to call notes, the man was seen with a gun, pointing it and shouting "at air" and directing his gestures toward neighbors across the street. 

Subsequent notes suggested that Ornelas had escalated the situation further, discharging the firearm inside a residence.

Upon further investigation, authorities discovered consistencies in the descriptions of seized weapons, indications of a discharged firearm, and other supporting evidence, leading to sufficient probable cause for the arrest of Ornelas on assault charges.