LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A man has been arrested and is facing charges in connection to a late-night shooting Wednesday at a house party near the University of Kentucky's campus.
Lexington police and UK police responded to reports of shots fired on University Avenue around 11:52 p.m. Wednesday. Officers with the Lexington Police Department and UK police responded to the scene and found a female suffering from a gunshot wound. UK police say the student was shot in the leg.
Ten other individuals were transported to UK hospital for minor injuries. Police say shrapnel hit the concrete, leading to the minor injuries.
Police say three people are in custody, none of which were UK students. UK officials say all 11 people who were injured are UK students. Authorities also recovered two firearms at the scene.
19-year-old Jason Almanza-Arroyo was arrested and charged with first-degree wanton endangerment, second-degree disorderly conduct, third-degree assault on a peace officer, and alcohol intoxication in a public place.
According to an arrest citation, officers were called to University Avenue immediately after the shooting occurred. Officers report they found the suspect under the influence of alcohol while in possession of a loaded firearm.
Almanza-Arroyo's arrest citation states that once he was placed in handcuffs, he became aggressive and "extremely disorderly," concerning a large number of people in the area. The suspect then purposely spit in an officer's mouth while they were speaking with him, according to the citation.
One of the victims told officers that Almanza-Arroyo pointed a gun at him when the victim asked him to leave the party. The victim later positively identified the suspect as the one who pointed a gun at him.
Almanza-Arroyo is currently detained at the Fayette County Detention Center.
UK spokesperson Jay Blanton says officials with the Dean of Students responded to the scene as well. They will be conducting their own review of what happened. The university will also summarize what they know and point students to support services they may need following the shooting.
I am deeply grateful that the students impacted by last night's incident are safe and did not sustain life-threatening injuries. While this occurred off campus, @UKPolice and Student Success responded immediately and continue to support our students.
— Eli Capilouto (@UKYpres) September 8, 2022
UK officials say the party was hosted by members of the Theta Chi fraternity.
The investigation into Thursday's shooting is ongoing. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Lexington Police by calling (859) 258-3600.
