Tyler Shooting Started Over Porcelain Dolls, Police Say

(KNUE-FM) One man was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after an argument about unpaid money took place in Tyler and it was all over porcelain dolls.

According to KETK, deputies were called to the 2200 block of Montgomery Gardens Boulevard on Monday, March 16, on a report of deadly conduct. Once on scene deputies made contact with the suspect who was identified as Alxs Zavala, he had already been contacted by troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

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What Sparked the Dispute

According to the arrest report, Zavala told deputies that he had taken “porcelain dolls” from a woman’s house because she owed him money that was not repaid. The woman later went to Zavala’s residence with another individual which led to the confrontation.

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What the Suspect Told Investigators

Zavala admitted to grabbing a black “AK-style pistol” and told the two individuals to leave but they refused. He also said the male individual threatened to return with others and “shoot up” the home.

Zavala admitted to firing three or four shots at the man’s feet. The two then retreated to their vehicle and drove away. No injuries were reported.

Evidence Collected at the Scene

Investigators spoke with the victims who both said they were in the vehicle when the shooting took place, and that multiple shots hit the passenger side of the vehicle. Deputies could see damage to the vehicle and recovered shell casings at the scene.

Zavala was booked into the Smith County Jail and is currently behind held on these charges.