Panic, Confusion at Edinburg Walmart As Suspect With Possible Gun Or Knife Reported; Suspect Arrested

Staff Reports

Edinburg, TX – November 30, 2023 — Panic and confusion set in at the Walmart on S. I-69 in Edinburg as shoppers reported a man entering the store possibly carrying a knife or gun on Thursday afternoon last week.

Edinburg Police Department officers responded to a disturbance at Walmart, located at 2812 S. I-69C, on November 30, 2023, around 3:10 p.m. The incident was reported by a concerned citizen who witnessed a male and female engaged in a disturbance.

The initial call for service indicated that the male involved entered the Walmart with a knife, prompting panic among shoppers as they fled the store. Subsequent reports suggested the male may have had a gun, though the reporting party lost sight of the suspect.

Edinburg Police officers quickly arrived at the scene, ensuring the safety and security of the area. An investigation revealed that an assault had occurred between a couple. Both parties involved were identified and interviewed by law enforcement.

The male, identified as 43-year-old Joaquin Garza of Harlingen, Texas, was detained and subsequently arrested for the assault. It was determined that no gun was displayed or found at the scene. Edinburg Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.