Man shot by police at gas station by UTRGV in critical but stable condition
Edinburg police said Monday that officers shot a knife-wielding man known to police inside a convenience store by UTRGV.
The shooting happened when police received multiple reports of a suspicious man acting erratically at 8:10 a.m. at a convenience store on Sugar Road and University Drive, according to the news release.
Police located Justin Lee Garza, 33, who was armed with two knives in the parking lot. Police commanded Garza to stop, but say he moved toward the store entrance while armed, causing fear to patrons.
“As Garza continued to ignore commands and entered the store, an officer discharged one round in an attempt to disarm him, striking Garza and preventing any further threat to those inside,” the release stated.
Garza has a history with police, according to the release.
“Edinburg Police officers have previously attempted to connect him with resources and assistance, which he declined,” the release stated.
Authorities say he is in critical and stable condition while the unidentified officer who shot him has been placed on paid administrative leave pending investigations by the Texas Rangers and the Edinburg Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division.
Police Chief Jaime Ayala said safety remains the priority of his department for the community.
“At no time was the UTRGV campus in jeopardy. Students and staff were safe throughout the incident,” Ayala said in the release. “We work closely with UTRGV Police, and the scene was immediately secured—no lockdown was needed. We are committed to transparency and will continue to provide updates as appropriate.”
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