SAN MARCOS, TX - On Saturday night, while responding to a domestic disturbance call at the Twin Lake Villas Apartment complex, 31-year-old Officer Justin Putnam was shot to death, by Alfredo Perez Delacruz, 45.
Officers Franco Stewart and Justin Mueller were also critically wounded and were transported to Ascension Seton Hays Hospital, where both underwent surgery and are now recovering in the hospital's intensive care unit.
Delacruz laid in wait and opened fire on the officers as soon as they arrived at the apartment. He was wearing body armor and died at the scene of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to San Marcos Police Chief Bob Klett.
Delacruz used several aliases while in the country illegally, and reportedly had an extensive criminal history.
On Sunday, the San Marcos Police Department issued the following statement:
"Our family in blue is mourning the loss of our fallen brother, Officer Justin R. Putnam, who was killed in the line of duty last evening. Officer Putnam was with SMPD for more than five years. Words can never adequately express our profound sorrow for Officer Putnam's family and loved ones. To say he will be missed is an understatement. Two other officers were wounded during the same incident, Officer Franco C. Stewart and Officer Justin P. Mueller. Both are in critical but stable condition following surgeries. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families. We respectfully ask that all three families are given time to grieve and deal with their situations in private but we thank the community for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support. We greatly appreciate it."
Officer Putnam was a graduate of Texas State University, and leaves behind a fiancee, and his parents. He served with the San Marcos Police Department for five and a half years.
