Officer Down...But Spirits are Lifted

A national campaign raising funds and support for San Bernardino police officer Gabriel Garcia, 31, who was shot in the head and critically injured during an early morning shootout Aug. 22, has raised $4,501 in 28 days. The mother of the San Bernardino Police Department trainee officer involved in the incident, Becca, whose last name will be withheld to protect the identity of her son, said, “We’re really trying, for my son’s healing, to make sure we can get some donations to help Gabe in the long run.” The Go Fund Me campaign is Internet-based, which means anyone can donate, explained Becca. “It’s not just local. If anyone wants to donate, it’s open to the public,” Becca said. “As long as Gabe’s still fighting, we’re going to be raising money for him.” Garcia remains hospitalized at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where he was treated for multiple gunshot wounds following the shooting last month. He came out of a medically-induced coma Sept. 8 and was breathing without a ventilator, hospital officials announced that day. “The fundraiser will help my son’s recovery,” Becca said of her son. “He wanted to be able to give back. This money can be used for…whatever (Gabe) needs.” The shooting occurred just after 2 a.m. Aug. 22 when Garcia and his trainee came across six individuals who were walking near 19th Street and Garner Avenue in San Bernardino. Initial reports from San Bernardino City police indicated that when Garcia and Marcus got out of their patrol car, one of the individuals, Alex Alvarado, 38, who police believe was a gang member, allegedly fired an AK-47 assault rifle and a handgun. Garcia was struck in the head but the trainee officer remained uninjured. The trainee officer returned fire, killing Alvarado. Becca explained she was with her husband 2,000 miles away taking their youngest son to college when she received a call from her oldest son that morning, describing the event. “To have your oldest hysterically calling you, saying there was a shootout and not knowing if your son was shot, and to be that far away and not be able to get to your son or to Gabe’s family, it was awful,” Becca said. She and her husband were able to meet up with their son within 24 hours, she explained. “My son is doing well. His main concern is for his partner and he visits (Garcia’s) family frequently. They have been just wonderful to him,” Becca said. Garcia’s father is Capt. Ron Garcia, a 29 year veteran with the San Bernardino Police Department. Other signs of solidarity and support for the Garcia family have been shown not only by San Bernardino, but surrounding communities as well. The city of Yucaipa was decorated in blue lights to show support, as were other communities like Upland and Colton. Becca said the show of unity from so many communities was “incredible.” “It shows how good people come together to help those who are out there risking their lives,” Becca said. “We need to protect those who are protecting us.” Anyone who would like to donate to Garcia and his family may do so through Becca’s Go Fund Me: Police Officer Ambushed on Duty campaign at http://www.gofundme.com/e6ddtw.