Pete Garcia Arrested for Shooting LAPD Officer in Pacoima – Ghost Gun Recovered

LAPD Officer Injured in Confrontation with Suspect Armed with Ghost Gun

A 27-year-old LAPD officer has been discharged from the hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound to his hand during a confrontation with a suspect armed with a polymer pistol, commonly referred to as a ghost gun. The incident took place in Pacoima, Los Angeles, following a report of a restraining order violation at a residence on Paxton Street.

Upon arrival at the scene, officers were directed to a back house on the property where they encountered 52-year-old Pete Garcia. Despite orders to comply, Garcia refused to exit the location, leading to a physical struggle between him and the officers. Despite attempts to subdue Garcia using a Taser, he managed to retrieve a pistol from his waistband and aimed it at the officers. In the ensuing chaos, Garcia fired a single round at the officers, prompting an officer-involved shooting.

Further investigation revealed that the officer’s injury was caused by a round fired by Garcia that struck a metal bed frame, causing fragments to ricochet and impale the officer’s hand. Garcia was subsequently arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and taken to a hospital for unrelated medical issues. He is currently being held on $2,080,000 bail.

Recovery of Ghost Gun and Arrest of Suspect

Following the incident, law enforcement officials were able to recover the ghost gun used by Garcia in the shooting. The weapon, identified as a polymer pistol, was confiscated as evidence in the case. Garcia’s arrest on charges of attempted murder underscores the seriousness of the incident and the potential danger posed by the use of ghost guns in criminal activities.

Impact of Ghost Guns on Law Enforcement

The use of ghost guns, which are untraceable firearms assembled from kits or 3D printed components, presents a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies. These weapons lack serial numbers and are not subject to traditional background checks, making them appealing to individuals seeking to evade detection and regulation.

Incidents like the one in Pacoima highlight the risks faced by police officers when confronting suspects armed with ghost guns. The availability and proliferation of these weapons pose a threat to public safety and underscore the need for stricter regulations and enforcement measures to address the issue.

As the investigation into the shooting continues, authorities are emphasising the importance of vigilance and training for law enforcement personnel to effectively respond to incidents involving ghost guns. By raising awareness of the dangers posed by these unregulated firearms, steps can be taken to enhance public safety and protect both officers and communities from harm.