Edinburg Police Involved in Shooting After Armed Suspect Enters Store Near UTRGV

Staff Report

EDINBURG, TX — A 33-year-old man armed with knives was shot by an Edinburg police officer Monday morning after entering a convenience store near Sugar Road and University Drive, authorities said.

Police identified the suspect as Justin Lee Garza. Officers were called to the area around 8:10 a.m. after receiving reports of a man acting erratically outside the store. When officers arrived, they found Garza holding two knives.

Despite repeated commands to stop, police said Garza moved toward the store entrance, alarming customers inside. As he went into the store, one officer fired a single shot, striking Garza and stopping the threat, according to the department.

Garza, who police say has a history of encounters with law enforcement, was taken to a hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition. Officials said previous efforts to connect him with assistance were declined.

The Texas Rangers are leading the criminal investigation into the shooting. Edinburg police will also conduct an internal review, and the officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure.

Police Chief Jaime Ayala said public safety remained the department’s priority throughout the incident. He added that the nearby University of Texas Rio Grande Valley campus was never at risk and no lockdown was necessary.

Source — Edinburg Police Department.