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MONDAY, JULY 9, 2012
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
PAGE 18
CRIME
Father and sons prosecuted for shooting agent watching home
ASSOCIATED PRESS
HARGILL, Texas — A father and two sons shot at a federal immigration agent parked outside their home along the Texas border this week because they were afraid someone was going to break in, a relative told a newspaper.
U. S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agent Kelton Harrison was shot in the back early Tuesday, when prosecutors say Pedro Alvarez and his sons, ages 18 and 16, fired at Harrison's vehicle and chased the agent as he sped away. Prosecutors say Harrison had been watching for an anticipated drug deal. His condition is improving.
Amparo Ramirez, the family matriarch, told the San Antonio Express-News in a story published Saturday that Harrison was parked on the next-door property and that no attempt was made to notify home owners of surveillance activity.
"They thought it was somebody breaking in," Ramirez said. "The ICE didn't identify itself. The kids explained what they did."
Alvarez, 41, and his 18-year-old son, Arnoldo Alvarez, are charged with assault of a federal officer and knowingly using and carrying a firearm during a violent crime. His younger son has been charged with attempted capital murder in a state district court.
A criminal complaint alleges that the 16-year-old, whose identity is being withheld because of his age, fired about six shots from a .22 caliber rifle and that Arnoldo Alvarado fired "numerous" shots from a 9mm handgun as they rode in a vehicle being driven by their father. The vehicle had its headlights off in the pre-dawn darkness as it drove by Harrison, according to the complaint.
After being shot, Harrison was able to drive for several miles while the
three allegedly followed, continuing to fire before the agent lost control of his sport utility vehicle. Other agents arrived on the scene, and one rushed Harrison to the hospital, where he underwent surgery.
Carlos Ramirez, the boys' uncle, told the newspaper that Alvarez's two sons "got scared" the night of the shooting. He said Arnoldo Alvarado spoke of going to school to be an air-conditioning technician and was planning to marry his high school sweetheart.
"They ain't bad boys, that's for sure," Ramirez said. "The only thing they did was play football."
The shooting happened near Hargill, about 25 miles northeast of the U.S.-Mexico border town of McAllen. According to the criminal complaint, Arnoldo Alvarado told authorities that his father spotted what he considered a suspicious vehicle and told him and the other teen "to get the guns."
DRINKS
JESSICA JANASZ/KANSAN
Lawrence resident Sean Wilson talks to bartender Darla Berman Saturday night at The Jackpot Saloon. Since the new law for happy hours in Kansas went into effect July 1, The Jackpot is easing its way into new specials and waiting to see how it affects business.
Happy hour ban lifted in Kansas starting July 1
ANNA ALLEN
aallen@kansan.com
Since 1985, Kansas bars and restaurants have been prohibited from offering happy hour promotions for alcohol. That changed on July 1, when a new law allowing happy hours went into effect.
Previously, many bars had been operating within a loophole by offering day-long specials. From $2.50 schooners at Louise's and half-price martinis at The Eldridge on Thursdays to $1 margaritas on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Tapas Mexican Food.
The Jackpot Saloon owner, Eric Berman, said he's waiting to see how other bars react to the new laws before implementing any new happy hour plans.
"You follow the trends in this business," Bermán said. "Watch what the competition does."
Meanwhile, Ryan Callihan, a graduate student from Lenexa, said he's normally busy with class or work during the time happy hours are offered, which is usually between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The Casbah Burger Stand on Mass, however, seems to have a solution to Callihan's problem.
"We're offering reverse happy hour," David Swenson of the Burger Stand said. "The drink specials will vary but it will be from 10pm to midnight."
The Burger Stand started their new promotions on the day the law first went into effect.
Kyle Black, a University graduate from Lawrence, said he's always found it odd that Kansas laws didn't allow happy hours. "It seemed to be that Kansas was behind the times," Black said.
Though it's still early to tell how the new laws will affect businesses, Black said he thinks it will help drive customers.
—Edited by Megan Hinman
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