09 Nov 20-Year-Old Wanted After Hotel Stairwell Shooting in Odessa

Odessa police are looking for a 20-year-old man accused of shooting someone in the face during an argument inside a hotel stairwell Saturday night.

According to the Odessa Police Department, detectives obtained a warrant charging Santiago Valencia with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Police say he should be considered armed and dangerous.

A call about gunfire brought officers to East Highway 80, in the 6200 block, around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7. Police said the shooting was limited to two individuals and the shooter had already gone.

Police said detectives later learned that Valencia confronted the victim in a hotel stairwell during an argument. According to the department, he drew a handgun and aimed it at the victim, and after the two briefly fought over the weapon, he fired once, hitting the victim in the face.

The victim was treated at a local hospital, and police described the injuries as not life-threatening. The victim has not been named in the information police have released so far.

Tips on where Valencia may be can go to the department at 432-333-3641, or to Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Callers should cite case number 26-0011823.

A warrant is not a conviction, and Valencia is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.