Arlington, Texas - Javier 'Big Dawg' Arredondo, a 42-year-old tattoo artist and entrepreneur, is accused of shooting a fired employee who refused to leave his tattoo parlor. According to the Arlington Police Department, Arredondo fired the unidentified 46-year-old man on Tuesday afternoon after an incident that occurred a week earlier. The victim, whose name is being withheld pending the official release from the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office, became upset and aggressive when asked to leave the parlor, according to three witnesses.

Amid a heated argument, Arredondo had everyone else leave the shop, leaving the victim alone with him. Minutes later, three gunshots were heard by the witnesses who had just left the premises. At least one of the gunshots struck the victim in the head, resulting in his death. Arredondo himself called 911 before the shooting, asking for police assistance in removing the man from the premises. However, despite the close proximity of the Arlington Police Headquarters, the shooting occurred before they arrived.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Arredondo claimed to be in fear of what the fired employee would do to him. He alleged that the victim had become more aggressive, shaking the display case and knocking items off the counter. In response, Arredondo decided to draw his firearm and shoot the victim three times. However, investigators did not find any evidence that the victim had attempted to physically assault Arredondo or threatened him. The victim was unarmed at the time of the incident.

Arredondo was arrested and is being held at the Tarrant County Corrections Center on a $100,000 bond. He faces a single charge of murder. The Vato Loco Tattoo Studio, where the shooting took place, appeared to have reopened just two days after the incident, as one of the artists advertised availability for smaller tattoos and consultations on Facebook. When contacted by a reporter, a woman who answered the phone abruptly hung up.

Arredondo's background, as stated on the shop's website, reveals that he grew up in Chicago before returning to Texas in 1998. The bio also mentions that in 2000, Arredondo's brother was released from prison, leading them to reunite and engage in "some crazy s-" which ultimately led Arredondo to pursue a career in tattooing.

The Arlington Police Department is actively investigating the incident, and Arredondo is expected to appear in court for his arraignment. The community is shocked by the incident, as it highlights the tragic consequences of a dispute over a paycheck.