Suspect Shot by Police After Firing at El Paso Container Plant, Employee Injured

An incident at the Smurfit Westrock El Paso Container Plant on June 23, 2025, resulted in an employee being shot by an offender, who was then shot by responding police officers. Both the victim and the offender were transported to a local hospital with injuries.

At approximately 11:24 PM, officers responded to a report of a subject with a gun at the plant located at 7350 Stiles. Upon arrival, several employees had evacuated to the parking lot, where officers also located Paul Ivan Gonzalez, 32, an El Paso County resident.

Gonzalez reportedly opened fire in the parking lot. During an encounter with officers, he was shot. Authorities later confirmed that Gonzalez had shot an employee, Leonardo Martinez, 46, of El Paso, prior to the officers’ arrival.

Emergency medical aid was rendered at the scene before both Martinez and Gonzalez were transported to a local hospital for treatment. No officers were injured during the incident.

The Crimes Against Persons unit is continuing with the investigation. Additionally, the Internal Affairs Shooting Review Team and the Texas Rangers are investigating, in accordance with standard protocol for officer-involved shootings. Criminal charges against Gonzalez are pending his release from the hospital.