Two McAllen Police Officers Killed in Surprise Ambush

In McAllen, Texas, on Saturday, July 11, two police officers were shot. Ismael Chavez, 39, and Edelmiro Garza, 45, were responding to a domestic disturbance call when they were ambushed by a suspect. In response, other officers arrived on the scene, and the suspect shot himself, according to official reports.

Both officers were rushed to a local hospital and later pronounced dead from the gunshot wounds. Garza had been a member of the McAllen Police Department for nine years. Chavez had served for two and a half years.

The suspect, Audon Ignacio Camarillo, 23, had several arrests on his record. Earlier arrests included: marijuana possession, fleeing officers, driving under the influence, and assault. According to McAllen Police Chief, Victor Rodriguez, the fallen officers never had a chance to suspect the deadly surprise assault against them. Rodriguez stated further that when other officers arrived on the scene, the suspect was ordered to drop his gun. The suspect refused and shot himself. Caramillo died at the scene.

Rodriguez told reporters in a press conference that there are many details his department does not know about the case at this point. The Police Chief said that neither officer was wearing a body cam, and he does not think the dashcam footage would prove to be helpful as the officers’ cruiser was parked outside of the building where the tragedy occurred.

“The next few days for us will be very, very difficult,” Rodriguez said.