Three people were arrested Friday after Doña Ana County Sheriff’s deputies surrounded a house where a man was reportedly shooting at his brother with possible hostages inside.
Just before midnight, the Doña Ana County Special Response Team, with assistance from the Las Cruces Police Department, was dispatched to the 7200 block of Parrigin Way, near the intersection of Peachtree Hills in the East Mesa area of Las Cruces.
A woman and an 8-year-old boy, allegedly being held against their will, were believed to be inside.
After a search warrant was obtained, deputies made entrance to the house. The child was safe, but deputies arrested the boy’s mother, 44-year-old Tosha Amos.
Deputies also arrested Todd Zancannella, 40. His brother, Scott Zancannella, 44, fled on foot.
With the use of Strongwatch, a mobile night surveillance system, deputies were able to locate Scott Zancannella shortly after in the desert area near the home.
A search of the house turned up two rifles and a handgun. About a dozen fully-grown marijuana plants, a large amount of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia were also discovered inside the home.
Amos and Todd Zancannella were each charged with child abuse.
Scott Zancannella was charged with aggravated assault, felon in possession of a firearm and child abuse. Drug charges are also pending against all three suspects.
The boy was turned over to the Children, Youth and Families Division.
Information from Dona Ana County