DEMING – A parking lot argument turned violent at the Quay County Family Health Center in Tucumcari on December 30. According to the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau, Anthony Kent, 56, fired multiple rounds at a man during an altercation around 4:10 p.m.
Authorities reported that Kent initially fired a handgun before retrieving an AR-15-style rifle and continuing to shoot. The male victim was struck and transported to a local hospital before being airlifted to Texas for further treatment. His injuries are considered non-life-threatening, and he remains in stable condition.
The victim’s wife, who was uninjured, attempted to intervene by pointing a firearm at Kent after hearing gunfire. She did not fire her weapon.
Kent fled the scene but was apprehended by New Mexico State Police shortly after the incident. He was booked into the Quay County Detention Center and faces multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and shooting at or from a motor vehicle.
No additional injuries were reported. The investigation remains ongoing.