Man arrested after attempted prison-gang hit (El Paso, TX): An ex-gang member apparently averted a prison gang hit Monday when a gunman hesitated because the victim was with his two young sons outside a bakery in Central El Paso.Source: El Paso Times Date: January 5, 2011http://www.elpasotimes.com/...
By Daniel Borunda \ El Paso Times

Posted: 01/05/2011 12:00:00 AM MST and is afraid for his life and the lives of his family members. The gang was not named.


El Paso police arrested Eric Patrick Gomez, 33, on suspicion of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Gomez is a confirmed member of a prison gang and is nicknamed "Sonny," stated court documents.

The potentially deadly encounter is detailed in a complaint affidavit filed by a detective and obtained by the El Paso Times.

Shortly before 7 p.m. Monday, Oscar Martinez was walking with his family when they were followed by two people to a bakery on North Piedras Street at Sacramento Avenue, the document stated.

A small red car with about four people pulled up. Gomez allegedly met with the group from the car and something was taken out of the trunk.
Martinez was outside with his two small boys while the rest of his family was inside the bakery. Gomez walked up to Martinez, called him by his gang moniker, and identified himself as "Sonny" and as a member of the gang.

The affidavit stated Gomez told Martinez to "move his boys to the side as he knew what this was about," while opening his jacket to show him a handgun.
Martinez got the children out of the way and managed to call 911 on his cell phone. Gomez then ran off and the others fled in the red car. Patrol officers searching the area arrested Gomez nearby.

Martinez, according to the documents, told police that he is a former member of the gang and is afraid for his life and the lives of his family members. The gang was not named.

According to the affidavit, Martinez "felt that he was going to be forced into the vehicle or shot on site. (Martinez) stated that it is common practice for this prison gang to force ex-members into a vehicle and taken to another location and assaulted severely or to be killed."
Gomez, of the 1200 block of Selden Drive, remained jailed Tuesday night in lieu of a $50,000 bond

Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@elpasotimes.com; 546-6102.