A targeted shooting at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Irving, Texas resulted in the arrest of Oved Bernardo Mendoza Argueta, a 37-year-old citizen of El Salvador. The incident, which occurred on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 26, 2024, led to the deaths of two people and caused significant distress within the local community.
The Irving Police Department confirmed Mendoza Argueta’s arrest on Thursday morning. Police reports reveal that Mendoza Argueta, an illegal immigrant, is now facing capital murder charges for multiple persons.
Mendoza Argueta is currently detained at the Irving City Jail, awaiting arraignment. A detainer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been issued, indicating ICE’s intention to take him into custody later.
The fatal shooting took place at approximately 3:40 p.m. at the Chick-fil-A located on North MacArthur Boulevard. The victims, identified as Patricia Portillo, 49, and Brayan Alexis Godoy, 31, were both employees at the restaurant. Investigators believe the shooting was a targeted act, not a random outbreak of violence.
An Irving Police Department spokesperson confirmed Mendoza Argueta’s arrest, stating, “The suspect was taken into custody early this morning. Mendoza Argueta has an ICE hold, with the warrant agency being Immigration and Naturalization Service Dallas/Fort Worth.”
The wife of Mendoza Argueta, also a Chick-fil-A employee, identified him as the shooter after witnessing the crime. Mendoza Argueta fled the scene immediately after the shooting, prompting a manhunt. Authorities released a photo of him and the 1997 Honda 4-door car he was last seen in, seeking public assistance in finding him.
Despite the search, officials reassured the public there was no immediate threat, emphasizing that the incident was targeted and not a random act of violence. Television footage from the scene showed police cars surrounding the Chick-fil-A, screens set up in front of some windows, and a cordoned-off parking lot.
Witnesses inside the restaurant recounted the ensuing panic. Latina Williams, whose daughter was at the neighboring Taco Bell, shared the dread-filled moments. “She called me, crying and scared,” Williams said. “She heard the commotion from the Chick-fil-A and didn’t know what was happening.”
The Irving Police Department is currently investigating the incident. Officer Anthony Alexander noted, “We are still trying to determine exactly what led to the shooting. We are conducting interviews with potential witnesses and gathering as much information as possible.”
The Chick-fil-A remained closed on Thursday as the police investigation continued. The community is now grappling with the unexpected violence that took place in what is usually a hub for family and community gatherings.
A memorial has been established outside the restaurant in honor of the victims. The family of Patricia Portillo has set up a GoFundMe to aid with funeral costs. The local Chick-fil-A owner expressed their sorrow, saying, “Our hearts are broken by the tragedy that occurred inside our restaurant Wednesday. We will miss our two team members dearly. Right now, we focus on providing care for our team and the victims’ families.”
