The Denver Medical Examiner today named the man shot to death in the parking lot of west Denver bar and restaurant early Saturday.
Both the victim and the suspect have lengthy criminal histories, records show.
Patricio Archuleta, 34, of Denver was shot multiple times in the parking lot of MGM’s Restaurant and Lounge at 4801 Morrison Road at about 1:45 a.m.
A short time later, a patrol officer spotted the truck thought to be the one driven by the man witnesses said was responsible for the shooting.
After a short chase that ended at Interstate 70 and Washington Street, about 9 miles from the restaurant, police arrested 33-year-old Luiz Meza of Denver.
Court records show Meza has a long, violent criminal history and has served time in prison. He was released from Trinidad Correctional Facility in 2008 after serving 15 months after pleading guilty to obstructing public peace and order, and vehicular eluding, in El Paso County. He was given credit for 80 days of time served in jail.
His previous arrests also include charges of domestic violence, menacing, burglary and other charges, records show.
He has an October court date on drug and traffic charges in Arapahoe County after he was pulled over in Greenwood Village on Aug. 15 for allegedly going more than 20 mph over the speed limit. A police officer reported finding less than 2 ounces of marijuana in the vehicle.
Meza declared bankruptcy on Aug. 21, according to court records.
Archuleta has been arrested on drugs, assault and menacing charges in the past.
He was schedule to be arraigned on Sept. 22 on a charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime after being arrested by Denver police in May.
Records indicate he was released to a southwest Denver parole program in January, but it is not clear where he served his prison time or for which charges.
