Father of 4 shot, killed at Cathedral City Applebee’s over the weekend
In Cathedral City, the investigation into a deadly shooting at an Applebee's over the weekend continues.
On Sunday night, things took a turn when there was an altercation that turned deadly.
“It's very surprising that this would happen at this location," said Commander Julio Luna with the Cathedral City Police Department.
Luna says he's been to the Applebee's off of Date Palm Drive multiple times. Growing up in Cathedral City, he told us he’s shocked about what happened inside a couple of days ago.
“Ordinarily, we do have your typical, sometimes bar issues that you would have throughout the city. But other than that, it's not a problematic area. So this was clearly a unique situation that we certainly wouldn't have expected to happen here," Luna said.
Police tell us a fight broke out involving several people inside around 11:30pm on Sunday.
During the altercation, one man pulled out a gun and shot another man.
“Well, it appears that the subjects that were involved in the fight knew each other. We still haven't determined the cause of the initial argument that led to the fight," he explained.
The victim was identified Ernesto Lazcano Arroyo, 31, of Cathedral City. Arroyo was rushed to the hospital where he died.
News Channel 3's Samantha Lomibao reached out to Arroyo's loved ones and his wife shared these pictures of him. She told us he was a father of 4.
Detectives worked with the Riverside County Gang Impact Team to conduct surveillance at a residence 69100 block of Dinah Shore Drive. A 33-year-old Cathedral City man was arrested and faces a murder charge. Jail records show he was booked into the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning at around 7:30 p.m. on Monday.
In addition, a 30-year-old Cathedral City man was arrested for homicide. Jail records show he was booked into the Benoit Detention Center in Indio Monday just before 10:30 p.m.
Neither suspect has been officially charged by the Riverside County District Attorney's office. There was no word on when they would be officially arraigned.
Cathedral City Police Department Detectives say they are actively working leads in this case. Police are asking for assistance from the community – if you have information related to this incident or believe you may have information, contact Cathedral City Police at (760) 770-0300 / Investigations Commander Rick Sanchez at 760-202-2488.
You can also submit a tip on the Cathedral City Police Department website at: cathedralcitypolice.com.
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.
