IRVING, Texas — The Irving Police Department arrested 37-year-old Oved Bernardo Mendoza Argueta after a shooting left two victims dead on Wednesday afternoon.
According to police, officers responded to the Chick-fil-A in the 5300 block of North MacArthur Boulevard to a report of a shooting around 3:50 p.m. Police arrested Argueta and booked him into jail at 3:16 a.m. Thursday, according to jail records. He was charged with Capital Murder.
When police arrived at the scene, they located two victims who had been shot dead, according to police. One victim was later identified as 49-year-old Patricia Portillo.
An arrest affidavit obtained by WFAA said Argueta's spouse worked at the Chick-fil-A, and Argueta entered the restaurant with a handgun and shot and killed the two victims.
Police said Argueta fled the scene before officers arrived and while they didn't share a description initially, they later said he was last seen driving a silver 1997 Honda four-door car with the license plate number GVH-6205.
The arrest affidavit said Argueta's spouse witnessed the shooting and positively identified him.
Police told media in a press conference on Wednesday they believe this was a targeted attack.
According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Removal Operations (ERO), Argueta is a citizen and a national of El Salvador.
ICE and ERO officers in Dallas have reportedly lodged an immigration detainer with Irving PD on Argueta. This detainer is a request from ICE to allow ERO to gain custody of Argueta for removal purposes, ICE stated.
On Thursday, the owner-operator of Chick-fil-A in Las Colinas released the following statement:
"Our hearts are broken by the tragedy that unfolded inside our restaurant Wednesday. We will miss our two Team Members dearly. Right now, our focus is on providing care for our Team and the victims’ families. I want to thank the Irving Police Department for their professionalism and compassion. We will continue working closely with them as they conduct their investigation."
Patricia Portillo's family created a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses.
Also on WFAA.com: