The Arlington Police Department has released relevant portions of body-worn camera and surveillance footage from an officer-involved shooting that occurred on November 27, 2024, at a motel in the 900 block of N. Collins Street.
The public can view the footage on the department's YouTube channel, though a sign-in may be required due to age restrictions.
At approximately 12:23 a.m., officers were dispatched to a Criminal Mischief call at a nearby shopping center after a man was reported kicking trash cans and throwing items. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the individual. The call was cleared at 12:41 a.m.
An hour later, another 911 call was placed from a neighboring motel, reporting that a man was banging on doors and disturbing guests. Investigators later identified the suspect as 34-year-old Edgar Ayala Garcia, who was captured on surveillance video at the motel. Garcia was seen attempting to force entry into multiple rooms, eventually gaining access to one, where he got into a physical struggle with a guest and displayed a knife.
As two Arlington Police officers arrived and announced themselves, the guest opened the door and continued to struggle with Garcia, who refused commands to drop the knife. The officers then fired their weapons multiple times, striking Garcia. He was provided medical aid on the scene and transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. The guest was treated for injuries and released.
Detectives determined the altercation was random, as Garcia and the motel guest did not know each other. The incident remains under both criminal and administrative investigation. Per department policy, the officers involved were placed on administrative leave but have since returned to work.
