-Editorial
Updated Crime Report.- A shooting at the Cinemark theater located at 3651 S. Dogwood Rd. in El Centro early Thursday morning has prompted an intensive investigation by the El Centro Police Department. The incident, which occurred around 1:00 a.m. on December 26, 2024, has been classified as an attempted murder.
According to authorities, officers responded to the scene following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they discovered evidence indicating that a shooting had taken place. While conducting a search for potential victims or suspects, the El Centro Police Department Dispatch Center received information that a male victim with multiple gunshot wounds had been transported to El Centro Regional Medical Center.
Preliminary findings suggest that the victim was involved in an argument with another male suspect inside the theater. The dispute escalated after both individuals exited the premises, where the suspect allegedly produced a handgun and shot the victim multiple times before fleeing the scene.
Investigators believe this was a targeted attack and have ruled out the possibility of a random act of violence. The victim’s condition remains undisclosed, and no additional details about the suspect have been released at this time. The El Centro Police Department’s Investigations Bureau is actively pursuing leads in the case.
Members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or possess information are urged to contact Detective A. Garrido at 760-352-2111. Tips can also be submitted in person, by phone, or via the department’s social media platforms.
El Centro Police Arrest Suspect in Armed Robbery Cases
The El Centro Police Department has apprehended a suspect in connection with two armed robberies reported earlier this month.
The first robbery occurred on December 10 at Patriot Gas, located at 2420 S. 4th Street. A masked suspect dressed in dark clothing brandished a firearm, stole cash and a clerkâs cell phone, and fled before officers arrived.
The second incident took place on December 23 at the 7/11 at 2050 S. 4th Street. The suspect, fitting the same description, robbed the store at gunpoint and escaped with cash.
Detectives used surveillance footage from a nearby business to trace a vehicle linked to the crimes. On December 24, officers stopped the vehicle near 4th Street and Hamilton Avenue, detaining the driver, identified as 30-year-old Luis Enrique Espinoza of El Centro.
Espinoza confessed to both robberies during questioning. A search of his residence uncovered firearms and cash tied to the crimes. He is now in Imperial County Jail, facing multiple charges.
