On the evening of November 27, Albuquerque Police Department (APD) officers responded to reports of a fatal shooting at the Dragon Horn Tavern, located at 2906 Juan Tabo Boulevard NE.

The incident occurred during the bar’s operating hours, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a man who had been fatally shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Early information from an unofficial APD source suggested that the shooting involved the bar’s bartender, though this detail was later clarified as the investigation progressed.

According to the criminal complaint, the shooting followed a confrontation between 30-year-old Jeremy Saiz, a bartender at the tavern, and a patron.

Witnesses reported that a verbal altercation began when the patron invited Saiz to play a game of pool.

The argument escalated, and both men stepped outside the establishment. Shortly after, a single gunshot was heard, and the victim stumbled back into the tavern, uttering the word “bro,” allegedly directed at Saiz, before collapsing.

Saiz fled the scene and went to his home. An off-duty APD officer later contacted detectives, reporting that Saiz had admitted to killing someone at work and expressed a desire to turn himself in. Detectives located Saiz at his residence, placed him under arrest, and searched the vehicle he used to leave the scene. A handgun was recovered from the vehicle.

Charges Filed Against Saiz
Saiz faces multiple charges, including:

• First-degree murder
• Tampering with evidence
• Negligent use of a deadly weapon (while intoxicated)
• Unlawful carrying of a firearm in a liquor establishment

Saiz declined to answer investigators’ questions, instead requesting legal representation.

APD initially stated that the shooting occurred on Tuesday, November 26. However, sources, along with the criminal complaint, confirmed the incident took place on Wednesday, November 27. This clarification underscores the importance of accurate reporting amidst ongoing investigations.

This incident marks Albuquerque’s 122nd homicide of 2024, further spotlighting the city’s struggles with violent crime. The investigation remains active, and more updates are expected as authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.