2015-04-22 Levario

Drive-By Shooting – 34th and Washington

Amarillo police are searching for a suspect involved in a drive-by shooting near 34th Avenue and Washington Street in the early morning hours.

Incident

The incident began around 2:15 a.m. with a phone call reporting the sound of shots fired. Officers initially responded to 26th and Paramount, and Wolflin and Fannin on similar calls, but no evidence of shooting was found at either location.^[1]

About 20 minutes later, officers themselves heard shots fired between SW 26th and SW 34th. While looking for the scene, yet another call came in reporting a crash on the 4000 block of Richard, this time with claims that someone on the scene had been shot.

Victim

The victim was identified as Antonio Levario, 34. According to Sgt. Brent Barbee of the Amarillo Police Department, "When they arrived, they found Mr. Levario who was suffering from a gunshot wound. There were a couple of women that had been in the car with him that were not injured."

According to Levario, he was traveling on 34th and S. Washington when someone on a red motorcycle started chasing his vehicle. During the chase, Levario claims the motorcyclist fired shots at his vehicle. Police later found shell casings in the road near the area.

Levario lost control of his vehicle while turning northbound on Western. His vehicle then drove through the front yards of two residents, hitting a stop sign and two vehicles along the way. Levario claims more shots were then fired. No residents were harmed during the accident.

Witness Account

Richard Sims, whose yard was among those involved in the incident, said: "I woke up to a loud noise. It sounded like a big bang. I don't know what it was, but I had a friend of mine call me a couple hours later and asked me what was going on and I didn't know what he was talking about so I woke up, I went outside and there was cop cars out."

Suspect Description

The suspect is described as a Hispanic or light-skinned male driving a ninja-style red motorcycle.

Investigation

Levario was transported to a hospital for treatment and his wounds did not appear to be life-threatening. Authorities are still searching for a suspect in the shooting.

Sergeant Barbee said the incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is asked to call the Amarillo Police Department at 378-3038.

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