SAN ANTONIO — A 28-year-old man who police say shot three police officers in August was indicted on eight criminal charges by a grand jury, officials said Wednesday.
Police say Jesse Garcia was wanted on multiple warrants when he shot an officer who was trying to apprehend him on August 24. Attempts to arrest him culminated in a prolonged standoff with police at a west-side apartment complex where a second officer was shot. Those two officers recovered from their injuries. A third officer was injured after being hit by debris from the shooting.
The Bexar County District Attorney said a grand jury indicted Garcia on five counts of Aggravated Assault of a Peace Officer, two counts of Aggravated Robbery, and a charge of Aggravated Kidnapping.
The indictments mean the grand jury determined there was probable cause to believe he committed the crimes, and the case will now move forward in the 437th District Court.
“We will put all our energy and effort into establishing Jesse Garcia’s guilt, ensuring that he is punished for his crimes, and sending a message that Bexar County has zero tolerance for his behavior,” said Bexar County Criminal District Attorney Joe Gonzales.
Garcia is accused in the first of a string of shootings of law enforcement officers within a short span in late August and early September. Six officers were injured to some extent in five officer-involved shootings. Three suspects were also shot and killed in those shootings.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus leveled criticism against the the Bexar County District Attorney at the time for repeat offenders being allowed on the street. The two have since had multiple meetings and have pledged to tackle the issue.