02: Lieutenant Ray Garcia, Shot Point Blank In The Face
Tim sits down with Police Lieutenant Ray Garcia, formerly of the El Segundo Police Department.
Retired Lieutenant Ray Garcia served for 27 years as a law enforcement officer and in 2020, he retired from the El Segundo Police Department.
After serving for six years in the United States Marine Corps - 2 of those years as a drill instructor - Ray joined the El Segundo Police Department in 1993.
Ray worked a variety of assignments, to include; Patrol, Field Training Officer, SWAT Team Operator, and K-9 Officer.
As a lieutenant, Ray was the Commander of the Special Operations Division.
On April 8, 2008, Ray and his partner were involved in an officer-involved shooting. Ray was shot point blank in his face and his partner was shot in his shoulder as well as a contact shot to his chest, which was absorbed by his bullet proof vest.
Because of their training, experience, and will to survive, they were able to return fire ultimately killing the suspect.
Even though Ray suffered a life threatening injury, spent time in the hospital, endured several surgeries, and rehabilitation, he returned to work four months after the shooting.
You can watch the security camera footage from the movie theater that night by clicking here.
Ray’s story is one you won’t want to miss.
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