NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) - A 32-year-old man accused of shooting his niece's ex-boyfriend earlier this year is now facing a felony charge, officials said.
The incident occurred Jan. 31 just before 12:30 a.m. in the 5000 block of Nolensville Pike. According to court documents, officers were sent to the scene after receiving a 911 call about someone who had been shot.
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Authorities reported officers learned the victim was taken to TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center by a private vehicle upon arriving to the scene. Due to the extent of his injuries, the victim was later transported TriStar Skyline Medical Center.
According to an arrest report, detectives spoke with the victim on Feb. 1 at TriStar Skyline Medical Center. That's when the victim allegedly told detectives he was expecting his ex-girlfriend to show up at his apartment to gather some of her belongings.
Detectives said the victim reported the ex-girlfriend brought her uncle with her to the apartment, which is when the uncle -- identified as 32-year-old Melvin Varela-Alvarado-- confronted the victim about the breakup.
At some point during the confrontation, officials said Varela-Alvarado shot the victim in the abdomen and leg.
The victim was able to flee to a vehicle and was taken to the hospital by his cousin who witnessed the entire incident, authorities said.
Amid the investigation, detectives said they were able to identify Varela-Alvarado as the suspect and "as the person responsible for shooting" the victim.
Varela-Alvarado was taken into custody on Friday, May 3 and charged with felony aggravated assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
He remains jailed on a $100,000 bond.
