Albuquerque Police Department (APD) officers are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Friday night at a West Side bar, reportedly stemming from a dispute over a parking spot.

The suspect, 38-year-old David Casarez, is facing several charges, including murder, while the victim has been identified as 22-year-old Carlos Ochoa.

According to police, Casarez claims he acted in self-defense after Ochoa allegedly pointed a handgun at him during a confrontation in the Effingbar and Grill parking lot, near Coors and Sequoia. However, detectives have not confirmed that Ochoa had a firearm.

APD stated that witnesses reported Casarez initiated the fight after Ochoa took a parking spot he was waiting for. During the altercation, women from both vehicles also became involved. Witnesses said Casarez retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Ochoa, also striking Ochoa’s girlfriend with the gun.

ShotSpotter data and witness accounts indicated multiple shots were fired, with Ochoa being struck after falling to the ground.

Officers arrived at the scene around 10:40 p.m., finding Ochoa with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Casarez is in custody and charged with murder, two counts of aggravated battery, and three counts of aggravated assault. He is being booked into the Metro Detention Center.