Officer-involved shooting near university under investigation

There was an officer-involved shooting near the university here last week. Edinburg Police Department officers had received multiple reports of a suspicious male acting “erratically” outside a convenience store last Tuesday morning.

The suspect, Justin Lee Garza, is reported to have been armed with two knives, a release by the police department said. After officers issued verbal commands instructing the 33-year-old male to stop, he moved toward the store entrance while armed.

Garza was reported to have ignored commands from the officers who responded to the scene. According to a city release, an officer discharged one round into the suspect to disarm him in an effort to prevent any further threat to the public.

The convenience store, which is located on Sugar Road and University Drive, is surrounded not only by the university, but as well as multiple businesses. Across the street from the convenience store, one can find a gym, a Wal-Mart and restaurants.

Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala said in a release that the university wasn’t in jeopardy.

“Our priority remains the safety of our community,” said Ayala said. “At no time was the UTRGV campus in jeopardy. Students and staff were safe throughout the incident. We work closely with UTRGV Police, and the scene was immediately secured — no lockdown was needed. We are committed to transparency and will continue to provide updates as appropriate.”

Garza does have a documented history of encounters with the law, the city release said.

According to Hidalgo County records, Garza’s history dates back to 2008.

He remains in critical but stable condition.