A Landover man charged with attempted first-degree murder for a November shooting in a parking garage outside Dick’s Sporting Goods in Wheaton had been in two separate altercations with the victim before to the incident, authorities said.
Santiago Julian Alvarez, 18, of the 800 block of Brightseat Road was arrested Jan. 26 and the apprehension was announced Tuesday night.
Alvarez allegedly fired a black semi-automatic handgun at a red Nissan Altima in a Westfield Wheaton Mall parking garage, striking the victim in the torso, according to court documents.
The Altima was observed speeding away after the gunshot, then crashed into Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The victim was taken to Suburban Hospital where a bullet was removed from his back, according to court documents. His condition was stabilized and he received treatment at the hospital for several days.
Following descriptions provided by witnesses and mall surveillance video, detectives were able to identify Alvarez through pictures on social media, according to court documents.
Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Alvarez on Dec. 4, charging him with one count of attempted first-degree murder, one count of attempted second-degree murder, reckless endangerment and assault-related charges.
Alvarez is being held without bond in the county’s detention center and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 22. No defense attorney was listed for him Wednesday in online court records.
