Bobby Garcia, a 38-year-old tire shop owner in Houston, Texas, was fatally shot on March 13, 2017, during an attempt to prevent a car burglary. The incident took place at a Shell gas station located on Almeda Road. Garcia, who was a regular customer at the station, noticed individuals rummaging through a car parked outside while the owner was unloading merchandise. Concerned, Garcia alerted the owner, and the two men went outside to confront the burglars. At that moment, a lookout from the group of suspects opened fire on both men, hitting Garcia and grazing the owner of the service station.
The suspects involved in the shooting fled the scene in a blue or silver Chrysler 200, while paramedics tried to save Garcia. He was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The owner of the gas station, who was grazed by a bullet, received treatment at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital. Houston police described the assailants as part of a group of four individuals, but they were unable to provide a detailed description. The suspects and the victim did not appear to have any prior connections, making it a random act of violence against someone trying to do the right thing.
Bobby Garcia was well-known in the community where he ran his tire shop for about 15 years. He was remembered by family and friends as a generous individual who often helped those in need. His wife, Jeniffer Hernandez, spoke about how Garcia was a good man and emphasized the injustice of his untimely death. The tragedy has left the family devastated, and they continue to call for justice for Bobby, hoping that those responsible are brought to account for their actions. The Houston Police Department and Crime Stoppers have requested any information that could lead to an arrest in this case, encouraging the public to come forward with tips.
