Two McAllen police officers, Edelmiro Garza and Ismael Chavez, died while responding to a domestic disturbance on Saturday. The alleged shooter, identified as 23-year-old Audon Camarillo, opened fire when the officers tried to enter the home.At a news conference later that day, Police Chief Victor Rodriguez said both officers received fatal wounds from the gunfire. Other officers passed the scene and saw that the officers were down.
“The officers never had a chance to suspect deadly assault on them, much less death at that moment,” Rodriguez said. Rodriguez said that after the back-up arrived, the suspect exited the home and hid behind a vehicle in front of the home, still armed.
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The suspect then shot and killed himself. Rodriguez said that was the extent of the incident.
“Our officers did not draw their weapons, did not fire, never stood a chance, never had a chance to, didn’t have a reason to,” he said.
Today, 2 McAllen Police officers were killed in the line of duty. Our City extends its deepest condolences to McAllen PD & to the families of OFC Edelmiro Garza & OFC Ismael Chavez. McAllen is hurting & our hearts & prayers go out to them during this difficult time#McAllenStrong pic.twitter.com/SpwHe9yxii
— City of McAllen, TX (@CityofMcAllen) July 12, 2020
Several Texas politicians have voiced their condolences, including Gov. Greg Abbot:
Two of our finest were killed in the line of duty while working to protect residents in their community.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 11, 2020
I've spoken with McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez and offered the full support of the State of Texas.
We unite to #BackTheBlue.#RGVhttps://t.co/lm5DWQJSVC
Attorney General Ken Paxton also released a statement:
“The hearts of every Texan are broken tonight as two of our finest in the City of McAllen Police Department have paid the ultimate sacrifice. We are praying for our frontline heroes in McAllen and around the state. This office stands ready to assist however we can.”
And a memorial for the two officers has been set up at the police department.
As our community grieves for the two brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice , a memorial has been set up at the McAllen Police Department for mourners to drop off flowers or small keepsakes to keep their memories alive. 💙🖤💙#McAllenStrong #OfcGarza #OfcChavez pic.twitter.com/jezWo5P6aH
— City of McAllen, TX (@CityofMcAllen) July 12, 2020
“They were doing their job, that’s what we’re supposed to do,” Rodriguez said.
He said the next few days will be difficult for the police department and for the city, especially amid the pandemic.
“We are weakened for the moment, but the strength and resolve that we have for our community, all of us here, will allow us to do what we do every day,” Rodriguez said.
Kathleen Creedon can be reached at kathleen@tpr.org or on Twitter at @Kath_Creedon.
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