Sheriff: Repeat Offender Arrested after Shooting

30-year old Andrew Whittenberg is accused of shooting 28-year old John Chavez in Flora Vista on Saturday, August 1, 2020. Chavez underwent emergency surgery at San Juan Regional Medical Center before being flown to UNM Hospital in Albuquerque where he is listed in critical, but stable, condition.

From the San Juan County Sheriff's Office:

Monday, August 3, 2020

30-year-old Andrew Whittenberg, was arrested on Saturday, August 1, 2020, after shooting 28-year-old John Chavez in Flora Vista, NM. San Juan Regional Medical Center performed emergency surgery on Chavez, but he was quickly transported to Albuquerque for more advanced care. Chavez is currently in critical but stable condition at UNM Hospital. Whittenberg was booked into the San Juan County Adult Detention center on three failure to comply warrants from previous cases, a parole violation, a 2nd-degree felony charge of unlawful taking of a motor vehicle (3rd of subsequent offense), a 3rd-degree felony charge of aggravated battery (great bodily harm with a deadly weapon), a 4th-degree felony charge of possession of a firearm by a felon, and a 4th-degree felony charge of tampering with evidence. 

 A criminal history on Andrew Whittenberg shows the following felony convictions: 

• A felony conviction in 2015 for burglary of a dwelling
• A felony conviction in 2015 for create, deliver, possess w/intent to deliver counterfeit substances. 
• A felony conviction in 2015 for aggravated burglary (armed after entering)
• A felony conviction in 2015 for criminal damage to property (over $1000)
• A felony conviction in 2012 for escape from jail
• A felony conviction in 2012 for tampering with evidence
• A felony conviction in 2012 unlawful taking of a motor vehicle (2nd offense)
• A felony conviction in 2012 for residential burglary
• A felony conviction in 2011 for unlawful taking of a motor vehicle (1st offense)