Two men arrested after fight leads to single gunshot

SPRINGVILLE, Utah (ABC4) — Two men in Springville were taken into custody on Monday night after they got into a verbal argument that ended with a single gunshot and a SWAT team response by Springville PD.

According to court documents, the suspects, identified as Jose Rodriguez-Juarez, 39, and Erick Xavier Rocha Fabela, 36, got into a verbal argument at a home near 100 West and 100 North just before 10 p.m.

Police responded to reports of the argument and, shortly after arriving, found Juarez walking toward a parked car nearby. Police say they then lost sight of Juarez, followed by hearing the sound of a gunshot before Juarez entered the home and refused to come out. A SWAT team responded to the scene, and police reported all occupants were safely evacuated and detained, including Juarez and Fabela.

Juarez allegedly admitted to drinking alcohol before getting into a physical altercation with Fabela. According to court documents, Juarez claimed Fabela brandished the gun and fired it into the air during the fight. Juarez reportedly told police that was when he went into the home for safety.

Police say they found the gun hidden underneath some clothing in the home that Juarez was hiding in. When confronted about it, Juarez allegedly changed his story, saying he took possession of the gun and ran inside. Multiple witnesses also allegedly contradicted Juarez’s claims, saying they heard Juarez tell Fabela that he was going to kill or hurt him before he shot one bullet toward Fabela.

Fabela allegedly told police he had been using cocaine and drinking alcohol that day and had his 17-year-old son drive him to the home where the incident took place. Fabela allegedly confronted Juarez and another male, pushing one toward the ground.

Springville Police reported both men had red, glossy eyes and had slurred speech. Both were then booked into the Utah County Jail.

Fabela was booked on charges of third-degree felony endangerment of a child and misdemeanor assault, public intoxication, and drug charges. Juarez was booked on first-degree felony attempted murder, second-degree felony discharge of a firearm, second-degree felony obstruction of justice and misdemeanor public intoxication, use of a controlled substance, failure to stop at the command of law enforcement and carrying a dangerous weapon while under the influence.

Courts records show both Fabela and Juarez have been ordered to be held without bail, pending a pretrial hearing.