In the early hours of Sunday, June 1, 2025, a vibrant life was tragically cut short in the parking lot of Chit Chat Bar & Lounge on Dyer Street in Northeast El Paso. Damian Arce, a 31-year-old resident of the area, was found suffering from a gunshot wound around 1 a.m., his life hanging in the balance as emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital. Despite their efforts, Arce succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival, leaving behind a community grappling with grief and a family mourning an irreplaceable loss. The El Paso Police Department, now leading a determined investigation, believes Arce was involved in an altercation with another man moments before the fatal shot was fired, a moment that turned a night out into a tragedy.
The incident unfolded at the Chit Chat Bar & Lounge, a local establishment on the 4800 block of Dyer Street, just a stone’s throw from Fort Bliss, a bustling military base that shapes much of the area’s rhythm. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as police descended on the parking lot, cordoning off the area with red crime-scene tape while investigators and gang unit officers scoured for evidence. The altercation, the details of which remain unclear, escalated swiftly, culminating in the gunfire that claimed Arce’s life. The suspect, described only as a male, fled the scene and remains at large, prompting a citywide call for answers.
The El Paso Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons unit has taken the lead in unraveling the circumstances of this devastating event. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, offering both a non-emergency line at 915-832-4400 and an anonymous tip option through Crime Stoppers of El Paso at 915-566-8477. The police have emphasized the importance of community cooperation, hoping that even the smallest detail could help identify the suspect and bring justice for Arce and his loved ones.
This shooting marks yet another chapter in El Paso’s ongoing struggle with violent crime, a city that, while known for its tight-knit community and vibrant border culture, has not been immune to such tragedies. The proximity of Chit Chat Bar & Lounge to Fort Bliss adds a layer of complexity, as the area sees a mix of locals and military personnel, often creating a lively but occasionally volatile atmosphere. The incident has sparked renewed conversations about safety in nightlife venues, with residents expressing both sorrow and frustration over the loss of a young life in a place meant for camaraderie and celebration.
Damian Arce’s death has left a void in Northeast El Paso, where he was known as a member of the community with ties to its daily life. Friends and neighbors have begun sharing stories of his warmth and presence, though official details about his life remain private as his family navigates this profound loss. The investigation continues to unfold, with police working tirelessly to piece together witness accounts and physical evidence from the scene. For now, the city holds its breath, hoping for answers that might bring closure to a grieving family and a rattled community, while the suspect remains a shadow in an ongoing manhunt.
