July 11, 2020 – In Breaking News – The Monitor
Standing down the street where two McAllen police officers were shot and killed, a visibly distraught Police Chief Victor Rodriguez was pained Saturday in disclosing the details of two of his officers who died responding to a domestic disturbance earlier that day.
Speaking during a news conference held at the scene of the shooting, Rodriguez identified the fallen policemen as officers Edelmiro Garza, 45, and Ismael Chavez, 39.
Garza had more than eight years of experience as an officer with the McAllen Police Department, while Chavez had more than two.
According to Rodriguez, the officers answered a disturbance call in the vicinity of the 3500 block of Queta Street at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday, initially meeting two individuals who reported assaults occurring inside a nearby home.
When officers tried to enter the home, the alleged shooter, whom police identified as 23-year-old Audon Ignacio Camarillo, opened fire.
(Two McAllen Police officers killed in line of duty. Courtesy of KVEO and YouTube. Posted on Jul 11, 2020.)
“They were doing their job,” Rodriguez said.
“That is what they were supposed to do. The person was a suspect of the incident, met our officers at the door, and shot at both officers.”
“Both officers suffered fatal wounds, they have both passed away as a result…
“The officers never had a chance to suspect deadly assault on them, much less death.”
Camarillo shot and killed himself a short time after opening fire on the officers, according to Rodriguez, who said the suspect hid behind a vehicle after other officers responded to the scene.
(Two police officers were shot and killed Saturday by a suspect who later fatally shot himself in a South Texas border town after responding to a domestic disturbance call, authorities said. Courtesy of FOX59 News and YouTube. Posted on Jul 12, 2020.)
Public records indicate Camarillo had a few run-ins with police beginning in 2016 to his most recent arrest last month on assault charges.
Additional details about the domestic disturbance Garza and Chavez responded to remain unclear.
Rodriguez did say, however, that the ambush was so sudden that fellow police officers didn’t learn of their deaths until they drove through the area moments later.
Two of our finest were killed in the line of duty while working to protect residents in their community.
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
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 11, 2020
Earlier Saturday, Rodriguez referred to these officers as “brave public servants,” and foresees a difficult time ahead of the department.
“The next few days for us, moving forward as well, will be very, very difficult, for ourselves at the department and at the city of McAllen, but our strength will get us through,” the chief said.
“We gather our strength from our police officers, and we gather our strengths from our colleagues, as you can see here.”
Our prayers and full support are with the valiant men and women of the #CityofMcAllen PD this evening.
This office will provide any assistance requested in the days ahead. We are grateful for police in McAllen and around this great state.
— Texas Attorney General (@TXAG) July 11, 2020
Continue reading… Two McAllen police officers die in ambush shooting
Editor’s note: Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Officers Garza and Chavez, both blood and blue.
Thank you for your bravery in serving the citizens of Texas, with pride and distinction. Our hearts are heavy with your loss. You will not be forgotten.
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