Details: San Angelo Plasma Center Shooting

SAN ANGELO, TX – An 18-year-old San Angelo man's decision to shoot someone instead of engaging in a physical altercation landed him in jail with a $500,000 bond Friday after a shooting in southwest San Angelo.

According to court documents, on Sep. 29, 2023, at around 2:06 p.m., San Angelo Police Officers were dispatched to 2575 Sunset Dr., at the Biomat Blood Bank, for a report of a shooting victim. By 2:15, the suspect was in custody, and the victim was rushed to Shannon. For the original article, see: EXCLUSIVE: Man Shot Several Times in Southwest Plaza

After the scene was secured, officers reviewed video footage from inside the plasma center. In the video, the officers could see the two men engaging in a argument. Moments before the shooting, the suspect, Matthew Zaruba, 18, of San Angelo, walked away from the victim, then turned around and fired four shots.

The victim then ran out the door, but Zaruba followed. He would end up firing seven more shots, striking two parked cars and a house across the street.

The video also showed Zaruba dropping his cell phone and taking off running towards the Sedona Ranch Apartments, where he was eventually apprehended.

A witness who was in the lobby confirmed it all. He claims that Zaruba and the victim were talking to each other "in a confrontational manner." At some point, Zaruba allegedly said "What" or "What did you say." That is when he pulled the gun.

Once in custody, SAPD's Criminal Investigation Division tested Zaruba's hand for gun residue. That came back positive. The officers then read Zaruba his rights and interrogated him.

Zaruba claims that he knew the man because of an altercation a year ago. He continued by telling officers he was going to physically fight him but went for his gun instead.

Zaruba was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for his role in the shooting. He is being held on a $500,000 bond.

As for the victim, he was shot only once in the chest area. Surgery was required to remove the lodged bullet from his chest cavity; however, he did survive the altercation.