El Segundo policeman nominated for Top Cop
An El Segundo police officer critically wounded in a gunbattle with a gang member in a 
crowded movie theater lobby is one of eight finalists for the 2009 America's Most Wanted All-Star.
Lt. Ray Garcia, who has returned to duty but continues to face procedures and surgeries to repair his injuries, could win a $10,000 prize and trip to a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C. on May 16.
A nationwide Internet vote has begun to determine the winner.
Anyone can vote, once a day, every day until May 4 at the television crime show's Web site, www.amw.com, or by text message using their Sprint phones.
Information on texting is available on the Web site.
Garcia and his partner, Officer Scott O'Connor were working in the lobby at the Pacific Theaters on Rosecrans Avenue April 11, 2008, when they walked over to theck on an unruly man demanding a refund.
crowded movie theater lobby is one of eight finalists for the 2009 America's Most Wanted All-Star.Lt. Ray Garcia, who has returned to duty but continues to face procedures and surgeries to repair his injuries, could win a $10,000 prize and trip to a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C. on May 16.
A nationwide Internet vote has begun to determine the winner.
Anyone can vote, once a day, every day until May 4 at the television crime show's Web site, www.amw.com, or by text message using their Sprint phones.
Information on texting is available on the Web site.
Garcia and his partner, Officer Scott O'Connor were working in the lobby at the Pacific Theaters on Rosecrans Avenue April 11, 2008, when they walked over to theck on an unruly man demanding a refund.
The man pulled a gun and opened fire, striking Garcia in the face,
shattering his upper jaw and knocking him down. O'Connor was shot twice.
Despite their wounds, they chased the gunman outside and killed him.
Garcia said he is pleased to be named a finalist, but is disappointed that O'Connor was not included. He believes he was picked because his wounds were more severe and two officers from the same department would split their vote.
So, he has decided that if he wins, he will divide his prize winnings and take his partner with him on the trip.
"As much as I appreciate everyone giving me the well-wishes, Scott was there, too," Garcia said Friday. "A vote for me is a vote for both of us."
Garcia has undergone several surgeries to repair his jaw. He is facing more procedures to remove screws in his jaw and to install teeth destroyed by the bullet.
O'Connor also has returned to light duty. His ear drum was replaced and he continues to rehabilitate his wounded shoulder.
"I'm hoping Scott and I will win and we will represent the South Bay well," Garcia said.
A list of the nominated officers and their accomplishments is available at America's Most Wanted.AMW Web site.
Despite their wounds, they chased the gunman outside and killed him.
Garcia said he is pleased to be named a finalist, but is disappointed that O'Connor was not included. He believes he was picked because his wounds were more severe and two officers from the same department would split their vote.
So, he has decided that if he wins, he will divide his prize winnings and take his partner with him on the trip.
"As much as I appreciate everyone giving me the well-wishes, Scott was there, too," Garcia said Friday. "A vote for me is a vote for both of us."
Garcia has undergone several surgeries to repair his jaw. He is facing more procedures to remove screws in his jaw and to install teeth destroyed by the bullet.
O'Connor also has returned to light duty. His ear drum was replaced and he continues to rehabilitate his wounded shoulder.
"I'm hoping Scott and I will win and we will represent the South Bay well," Garcia said.
A list of the nominated officers and their accomplishments is available at America's Most Wanted.AMW Web site.
About the Blogger
Larry Altman has covered crime in the South Bay since 1990. He's seen it all - the missing model who turned up dead in the desert, the wives found dead in trunks, the high-school coaches who get a little too close to their players. He drives his young colleagues nuts with his "I remember when" stories. He welcomes your tips and observations about the present, and you can mix in a little Lakers basketball talk if you like.
E-mail Larry at larry.altman@dailybreeze.com.
ADVERTISEMENT
|
|
ADVERTISEMENT
|
|
Leave a comment