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Incident
Police Officer Ismael Chavez and Police Officer Edelmiro Garza were shot and killed from ambush while responding to a domestic disturbance call at a home in the 3500 block of Queta Street.
They had approached the front door of the home when they were suddenly ambushed and shot before drawing their weapons or making an emergency broadcast. Other officers who were sent to check on them came across the scene and immediately requested backup.
The subject who ambushed them committed suicide as additional units arrived on scene.
Officer Chavez had served with the McAllen Police Department for 2-1/2 years.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Chavez gave the McAllen Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the McAllen community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Chavez.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
McAllen Police Department has lost 5 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Ismael is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Ismael is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Ismael is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2020, 2 officers at McAllen Police Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 2020, 9 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 2020, 61 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 123rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2020, 65 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 122nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Ismael was 39. Of the 5 killed feloniously at McAllen Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 37 and 45; the middle age was 39. Ismael had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 2.5 years.
Ismael was 39. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Ismael had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Ismael was 39. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Ismael had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Ismael was 39. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Ismael had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 60% of these deaths at McAllen Police Department, more than any other month. Saturdays: 60%.
July holds 9.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16.6%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 5 deaths at McAllen Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 40% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 10.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
McAllen Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Ismael among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 32-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from McAllen Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
