Dispute over dolls ends in shooting

TYLER — A man accused of firing multiple shots at a vehicle during a dispute in Tyler on Monday told deputies that the confrontation stemmed from an argument over unpaid money for porcelain dolls, according to a Smith County arrest warrant. According to our news partner KETK, deputies responded at about 1:40 p.m. to the 2200 block of Montgomery Gardens Boulevard on a report of deadly conduct. Upon arrival, authorities contacted the suspect, identified as Alex Zavalla, who had already been detained by troopers of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

According to arresting documents, Zavalla told deputies he had taken “porcelain dolls” from a woman’s home because she had not repaid money she owed him. The woman later arrived at Zavalla’s residence with another individual, prompting a confrontation.

Zavalla told deputies he retrieved a black “AK-style pistol” and repeatedly told the pair to leave, but they refused. He also said the male individual threatened to return with others and “shoot up” the home.

Zavalla told investigators he then fired three to four shots at the man’s feet. The two individuals got back into their vehicle and drove away. No injuries were reported.

Investigators spoke with the victims, who said they were both in the vehicle when the shooting occurred and that multiple shots struck the passenger side of the vehicle.

Deputies observed damage to the vehicle and recovered shell casings at the scene, according to the warrant.

Zavalla was arrested on Monday and charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was booked into the Smith County Jail.