San Antonio Police Officer Shoots and Kills Ruben Garcia After Struggle Over Gun

Accident – Death – Obituary News : SAN ANTONIO – A harrowing incident unfolded in the early hours of October 23 at the Winston Square Apartments on the Southwest Side of San Antonio, when a man engaged in a struggle with a police officer after refusing to release his grip on a firearm. The distressing body camera footage captured the man pleading with the officer to back away before the situation escalated tragically.

The confrontation occurred around 2 a.m. in the 2500 block of South General McMullen Drive. The officer, whose identity remains undisclosed, was on patrol when he spotted the man, later identified as 34-year-old Ruben Garcia, with a handgun tucked into his waistband. Sensing the need for intervention, the officer exited his vehicle and urged Garcia to approach him, stating, “Hey, come here, bro. I need to talk to you.”

However, instead of complying, Garcia chose to flee, prompting the officer to give chase. The pursuit unfolded through the complex, with the officer calling for backup during the pursuit. In an attempt to subdue Garcia, the officer deployed a Taser, but unfortunately, it proved ineffective. The chase continued for a short distance until Garcia stumbled and fell to the ground.

As captured in the body camera footage, a struggle ensued between Garcia and the officer, as the latter attempted to disarm the former. In the midst of the scuffle, Garcia pleaded with the officer, informing him of his injuries and beseeching him to cease his actions. “I’m bleeding from my head, boss. Come on, man. Boss, please, no man. Please…” Garcia’s cries for mercy went unheeded.

Despite repeated orders from the officer to drop the weapon, Garcia refused to comply. Moments later, the officer pulled back and discharged multiple rounds, striking Garcia and ultimately leading to his demise. In a desperate attempt to gain control of the situation, the officer commanded Garcia to release the handgun, shouting, “Stop! Drop it!”

Following the shooting, the officer provided immediate lifesaving measures to Garcia until emergency medical services arrived at the scene. Tragically, Garcia succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on-site. The officer, who possesses four years of experience on the police force, emerged unscathed from the incident.

The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office has assumed responsibility for the ongoing investigation into this tragic event. As details continue to emerge, the community eagerly awaits a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances that led to such a devastating outcome.

For more information on this incident, please visit the previous report by KSAT, available at https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2023/11/22/please-no-man-pleads-with-sapd-officer-during-struggle-over-gun-before-being-shot-killed/.

In conclusion, the events that unfolded in the early hours of October 23 in San Antonio have left the community in shock and mourning. The body camera footage captured the intense struggle between Ruben Garcia and a police officer, ultimately resulting in Garcia’s untimely death. As the investigation continues, the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office is tasked with uncovering the truth behind this tragic incident and providing justice for all parties involved..