Overview
- An Oct. 23 report from Inspector General Eliot Prescott found Officer Gabrielle Arruda legally justified in shooting Alexander Garay, concluding her belief of a deadly threat was reasonable.
- Police had responded to a report of an argument on Nov. 30, 2024, after which a man with a gun fled in an SUV, crashed nearby, and refused orders inside the vehicle.
- Taser attempts failed as Garay moved to the backseat and struggled with Officer Elvis Martinez, and bodycam footage showed a handgun in his left hand when Arruda fired two rounds.
- Garay, 48, survived with gunshot wounds, later tested positive for PCP, benzodiazepine and cannabis, and was discharged from the hospital on Dec. 5, 2024.
- Investigators recovered a Taurus G2c 9mm pistol and drugs; Garay was charged and has been held on a $750,000 bond, while Arruda had five years on the force with no prior relevant discipline.