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On April 18, just before 8 p.m., officers of the Benton Police Department responded to a shooting incident at 15920 Interstate 30, Macs Minnows and More Citgo gas station.
Upon officers’ arrival, a male subject was on the ground deceased from a gunshot wound to the upper torso. The deceased has been identified as Alfredo Garza III, a 47-year-old Hispanic male. Officers noted kerosene pooled in the parking lot and flowing from the building.
There were several witnesses to the incident, as well as video footage.
Garza was travelling to Texas with three other people. They were travelling in two vehicles. Both vehicles exited the interstate and pulled into the Citgo parking lot. Upon stopping the vehicles, Garza exited and after some time, walked towards the gas station.
His companions stated that Garza had been “drinking all day” and “believed him to be delusional.” Once he got to the front of the store, he began pulling wood out of the bundled firewood and turned on a kerosene pump, causing kerosene to flow out and into the parking lot.
One of the other occupants of the vehicle travelling with Garza to Texas can be seen in the video trying to convince Garza not to go through with whatever his plans were.
Garza entered the store, taking at least one lighter from the countertop. Video shows Garza to either be threatening to light the kerosene or attempting to light the kerosene.
Armed with a pistol, the store clerk confronted Garza. However, Garza didn’t back down and a struggle ensued. At one point Garza was on top of the clerk, with the clerk’s back on the asphalt.
During the struggle, Garza was fatally wounded.
The Benton Police Department Criminal Investigations Division is diligently looking at the case from all angles, and once complete, will submit a case file to the Saline County Prosecutor's Office for final disposition.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Benton Police Department at 501-778-1171 or 501-776-5947. Anonymous tips may also be sent via text to 847411 using keyword “BENTONPD” plus your message.