Mariah Escobar 
Jose Rodriguez/THE RIDER
At approximately 8:10 a.m. today, the Edinburg Police Department responded to an incident at the Stripes on Sugar Road and University Drive. It was notified that a suspect was walking in the area erratically holding two knives, said police Chief Jaime Ayala.
The suspect was identified as 33-year-old Justin Garza, who has a history with law enforcement encounters, including mental health and substance abuse issues.
Tropical Texas Behavioral Health, which has a crisis hotline, reached out to him Monday offering him resources and assistance which Garza denied, according to the chief.
Ayala said Garza was seen acting erratically at the Stripes parking lot and people who were getting gas became concerned.
Garza was given verbal commands to deescalate the situation but refused to cooperate.
“Despite officers’ efforts to deescalate the situation, Mr. Garza ignored those commands and still tried to dash into the store,” Ayala said. “At that moment of him entering into the store, our officer engaged, discharging one round at Mr. Garza, stopping his further movements and threat.”
The chief added the suspect has been transported to the hospital and is in stable but critical condition. The incident remains under investigation due to the officer-involved shooting.
“We have asked the Texas Rangers to come in and do the criminal investigation,” Ayala said. “Our Internal Affairs unit … will do an administrative internal investigation.”
The chief said the officer who fired by protocol will be put on administrative leave with pay.
“It is important to note that at no time was the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley at risk,” Ayala said.
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