On April 2, 2015, Officer Eric Garza and his partner were involved in a vehicle pursuit when the driver got hung up in traffic and fled on foot. The officers then gave chase and Officer Garza’s partner fired at the suspect.
The .40 S&W round struck the suspect and also hit Officer Garza at an extreme angle in the chest. Officer Garza’s ABA® HP02 level II armor deflected the round, which then lodged in his arm.
The suspect was taken into custody and Officer Garza was transported to the hospital to have his arm treated. Officer Garza states, “It is my true belief that my vest saved my life in that it prevented the bullet from hitting me in the chest.”
Officer Garza has recovered and returned to full duty.
We welcome Officer Eric Garza, SAVE #1921, to The Safariland Group SAVES CLUB®.
