2 Texas Officers Killed While Responding To Domestic Disturbance Call
MCALLEN, Texas (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — Two Texas police officers were shot and killed Saturday after responding to a domestic disturbance call, authorities said.
During a news conference Sunday evening, McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez said the officers were shot by a suspect as they approached the door of a home in response to the disturbance call.
Rodriguez said the department found out their two officers had been shot after two other officers responded to the scene.
After more officers arrived to the scene, the suspect was ordered to drop his gun, but he shot and killed himself, Rodriguez said.
"We have lost two brave public servants who sought only to keep peace in our City," McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez told The (McAllen) Monitor.
The City of McAllen identified the two officers as Edelmiro Garza and Ismael Chavez.
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
The suspect was identified as Audon Camarillo, 23.
Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted about the shooting, saying "Two of our finest were killed in the line of duty while working to protect residents in their community."
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton tweeted that his office will provide the McAllen Police Department with any help needed.
"Our prayers and full support are with the valiant men and women of the #CityofMcAllen PD this evening," the tweet read. "We are grateful for police in McAllen and around this great state."
U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez of McAllen said in a statement that receiving news of the officers' deaths was "devastating."
"This is devastating news to our community. My heart breaks for these fallen officers and their families," Gonzalez said in the statement. "They served McAllen bravely and honorably and I will keep them in my prayers."
An investigation is ongoing. No further information was immediately available.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)