NEW CANEY — Juan Ayala-Montero was charged federally for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm after allegedly opening fire with an AR-style rifle during a shooting in New Caney, Texas, on May 23. The incident occurred in the Kings Colony neighborhood over Memorial Day weekend and began around 1 p.m. following an argument between Ayala-Montero and a group of individuals, including 17-year-old Uziel Samano.

A federal criminal complaint alleges that Ayala-Montero made threats before walking to his home, retrieving an Olympic Arms .223 AR-style rifle with a scope, and firing shots. Authorities say he initially shot at the ground before turning the weapon toward the group and firing multiple rounds. Investigators recovered approximately 30 spent .223 shell casings at the scene.

Deputies responding to the scene heard gunshots coming from Ayala-Montero’s residence as they began rescuing people nearby. One victim suffered gunshot wounds to the torso and head, though federal authorities described the injuries as non-life-threatening. Several people, including young children, were present at the home during the shooting, according to family members.

"He was just pointing at everybody and he let out shots on everybody," Camilo Samano, the victim’s brother, said.

Law enforcement officers took Ayala-Montero into custody following the incident. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case with assistance from the FBI and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Federal authorities confirmed that Ayala-Montero, 60, was deported from the United States in 2006 and did not have legal permission to reenter the country. He was already facing a state charge of deadly conduct, discharging a firearm. Ayala-Montero remains in custody and is expected to make his first appearance in federal court soon.