DENVER — A second suspect has been taken into custody following a confrontation near a taco truck in downtown Denver over the weekend that left three people injured.
Nickie Rico, who was shot in the left hand and shoulder, is now a suspect in the case. The 36-year-old faces charges for attempted first-degree murder and aggravated assault, according to documents released Tuesday by the Denver Police Department.
This comes one day after the Denver Police Department said 35-year-old Armando Durete is facing the same charges for the shooting, which happened near 15th and Market Streets just before 3 a.m. on Sunday. Durete told officers that Rico is his brother.
According to a probable cause statement from DPD, a witness told investigators that she was standing near a taco truck when she saw a group of people arguing. That woman said she saw Durete holding a gun, and then heard gunfire.
In video surveillance footage, officers said it appeared that Durete is seen placing a black Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun behind a brick pillar in the parking lot after the shooting. He was taken into custody a short time later.
Police said Rico was found next to his Buick Lucerne in the parking lot after the shooting, and that officers found two guns nearby. Multiple shell casings littered the ground, and according to the probable cause statement, police believe Rico was in a gun battle with someone near the taco truck.
One of the victims was across the street when she was shot, according to DPD. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
In the probable cause statement, the names of other people taken into custody following the shooting are redacted. It’s unclear if they will face charges related to the case.
Rico and Durete's mugshots were not released Tuesday since DPD said officers are still speaking to witnesses and conducting lineups.
DPD said the investigation into the shooting remains active, and that anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP.
