Texas Police Officer Killed, Two Others Critically Injured After Being Ambushed

SAN MARCOS, Texas -- A San Marcos police officer was shot and killed and two others critically injured as they responded to a 911 call about a domestic disturbance Saturday evening.

The alleged killer died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, officials said.

Officer Justin Putnam, 31, died at the scene. Officers Franco Stewart and Justin Mueller were taken to Ascension Seton Hays Hospital in nearby Kyle where they underwent emergency surgery. They were in critical but stable condition Sunday, officials said.

"We lost a fine young man, a faithful officer and a friend last night," interim Police Chief Bob Klett said at a news conference Sunday morning, as he paused to take control of his emotions. "We ask the community for its prayers and support. We're certainly going to need it."

Klett identified the shooter as Alfred Perez de la Cruz, 46, of San Marcos.

Police were called to an apartment complex in the 2900 block of Hunter Road about 6 p.m. in San Marcos, Klett said.

The three officers arrived to find a victim outside.

"The initial call was that he had hit his wife, that there were other endangered people possibly inside and that alcohol was involved," Klett said.

Knowing there were others inside, the officers "had to make entry into the apartment," Klett said.

"As they entered, he ambushed them. He was prepared, ready for them to come in and started shooting immediately," the chief said. "There was nothing they could do to escape the gunfire."

The three officers were wearing body armor, Klett said; so was de la Cruz.

Klett said Texas Rangers are taking the lead on the investigation. He added that police and Rangers are researching the man's criminal record because it appears he may have used various aliases.

Putnam had been with San Marcos Police Department for five and a half years, Klett said. Putnam graduated from Texas State University magna cum laude.

Stewart has been with the department for five months but was previously with the McAllen Police Department for two and a half years. Justin Mueller was been an officer for 10 months and was previously with the police department's telecommunications division for 11 years.

Governor Greg Abbott said in a statement that the incident is a somber reminder of the service and sacrifice that law enforcement officers make every day.

“I ask all Texans to join Cecilia and me in praying for the officer killed and for those injured, and for the continued safety of all law enforcement officers who protect our communities,” Abbott wrote.

This is the second officer San Marcos has lost in the line of duty. Officer Kenneth Copeland was killed serving a warrant Dec. 4, 2017.

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