Posted By: ABQ RAW Staff
Posted On: 12/05/2023 @ 5:05 PM
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Albuquerque –
As we initially reported yesterday, the 15-year-old accused of firing a gun outside Coronado Center on Black Friday reached a plea agreement during his court appearance on Tuesday afternoon. Isaiah Montoya confessed to discharging a firearm, and he pleaded guilty to firing at an occupied dwelling.
Surveillance footage reveals Montoya with a gun inside of his pants and in another video, he is seen running through the mall with the gun held in his hand. Reportedly, two off-duty law enforcement officers pursued Montoya and provided a physical description to responding officers on scene. At some point, Montoya fired the gun outside towards the mall.
Montoya fled the scene, abandoning the weapon in nearby bushes. The sole gunshot prompted hundreds of Black Friday shoppers to flee the mall, and panic by the public ensued.
We contacted DA Sam Bregman to inquire why the DA’s Office sought a plea deal early on in this case. DA Bregman told us that he has consulted with experts and that “swift and sure punishment is in the best interest of the offender and public” and that “he will suffer the consequences of his actions.” DA Bregman went on to express that “thankfully no one was hurt.”
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Montoya will be placed in YDCC custody for one year. This sentence can be extended another six months if Montoya misbehaves in custody or does not keep up with his educational requirements.