LAREDO, Texas – A hail of gunfire on Nafta Boulevard and a subsequent hospital visit led to the indictment of 32-year-old Cesar Javier Estrada, accused of illegally possessing a firearm despite a lengthy criminal record. The incident, which unfolded October 6th, has drawn the attention of both Laredo Police and federal agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
According to federal charges, police responded to reports of shots fired in the 800 block of Nafta Boulevard. Almost simultaneously, a second call came in – a gunshot wound victim had arrived at Doctor’s Hospital. Investigators quickly connected the two incidents, discovering the victim was Estrada’s nephew, and the pair had arrived at the hospital together in the same vehicle.
That vehicle, authorities allege, wasn’t just a ride to the emergency room. It was a rolling crime scene. The charges detail that Estrada’s car was riddled with bullet holes and contained not one, but two pistols, along with spent shell casings matching the gunfire reported earlier. A search also uncovered approximately two ounces of marijuana inside.
Estrada isn’t just facing charges for the gun; he’s a prohibited person. The indictment states he has two prior felony robbery convictions in Webb County and a federal felony conviction for unlawful transportation of an alien in the Southern District of Texas. This history legally bars him from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. The feds are taking a hard line, and a conviction could land him behind bars for up to 15 years.
If convicted, Estrada faces a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years and a maximum fine of $250,000. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Harrison. While an indictment represents a formal accusation, it’s crucial to remember that Estrada is presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process of law.
The ATF spearheaded the investigation, receiving vital assistance from the Laredo Police Department. This case serves as a stark reminder that federal agencies are actively targeting individuals who illegally possess firearms, particularly those with prior felony convictions, in an effort to stem the flow of gun violence in South Texas.
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