American arrested in Venezuela on murder charges

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — A U.S. citizen has been arrested in Venezuela on attempted murder and weapons charges after he allegedly shot another man, authorities said Wednesday.

Venezuela's Supreme Court said Todd Michael Leininger was arrested after a raid on his house in the Western border state of Tachira. The statement said he shot and wounded a man identified as Jorge Santos Sandoval.

A number of firearms were found at the house but authorities provided no other details except to say that two women were also arrested as part of the investigation.

Tachira Gov. Jose Vielma Mora said Leininger is 32 and has been in Venezuela for two months. The governor said two handguns and three rifles, including one with a silencer and telescopic sight, were found at Leininger's house.