A man from El Salvador, Oved Bernardo Mendoza Argueta, age 37, was apprehended in Irving, Texas following a targeted attack at a Chick-fil-A that resulted in two fatalities. The incident, which unfolded on June 26, 2024 sent shockwaves through the local community.
The detainment of Mendoza Argueta was announced by the Irving Police Department on the morning of the following day. Mendoza Argueta, an undocumented immigrant, was formally charged with the capital murder of multiple individuals.
Presently, Mendoza Argueta is in the Irving City Jail awaiting arraignment. A detainer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been issued, signifying their intent to take him into custody at a later time.
The shooting took place around 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. The police have speculated that the shooting was not a random act but a targeted incident.
“We can confirm that the suspect was taken into custody early this morning,” stated a representative from the Irving Police Department. “Mendoza Argueta has an ICE hold, with the warrant agency being Immigration and Naturalization Service Dallas/Fort Worth.”
The wife of Mendoza Argueta, also an employee at the Chick-fil-A, witnessed the shooting and positively identified him as the shooter. After the incident, Mendoza Argueta left the scene, triggering a manhunt. Authorities distributed a photograph of him and the 1997 Honda 4-door vehicle he was last seen in, requesting public assistance in finding him.
During the manhunt, the police assured the public that there was no immediate threat. “We believe this was a targeted incident,” an official commented. “This was not a random act of violence.” Television images from the scene showed police vehicles surrounding the Chick-fil-A, with screens erected in front of some windows and the parking lot cordoned off.
Those inside the restaurant when the shooting occurred described the ensuing panic and confusion. One such witness, Latina Williams whose daughter was at the neighboring Taco Bell, shared her daughter’s horrified reaction. “She called me, crying and scared,” Williams recounted. “She heard the commotion from the Chick-fil-A and didn’t know what was happening.”
The Irving Police Department continues to investigate the incident, conducting interviews with potential witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage. “We are still trying to determine exactly what led to the shooting,” Officer Anthony Alexander stated. “We are conducting interviews with potential witnesses and gathering as much information as possible.”
Outside the restaurant, a memorial for the victims has been erected. A GoFundMe page to assist with funeral costs has been set up by the family of Patricia Portillo. “Our hearts are broken by the tragedy that occurred inside our restaurant Wednesday,” the local Chick-fil-A owner expressed. “We will miss our two team members dearly. Right now, we focus on providing care for our team and the victims’ families.”
