Officer Erasmo García-Torres Shot And Killed During Traffic Stop

A man brutally gunned down a police officer who’d detained him for a traffic violation in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Ponce is located on the southern coast of the U.S. commonwealth and is the island’s second-largest city after San Juan. Sergeant Erasmo García-Torres was on his lunch break when he observed a driver commit a traffic violation. Interrupting his meal, Garcia-Torres, a 50-year-old motorcycle officer and 29-year veteran, stopped the man.

After the initial contact, according to Primera Hora and Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP), the man, later identified as Bryan Ramos Rivera, walked away from the officer. He followed Rivera when reportedly, “The man suddenly turned around and opened fire on Sergeant García-Torres striking him in the head.” Officers responded to the scene, located, and arrested Rivera. Sergeant García-Torres was transported to an area hospital where medical staff pronounced him dead.

After earning a degree in criminal justice, García-Torres joined the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB) on June 28, 1991. The department assigned him to the Puerto Nueva Precinct. Other assignments included the Guayama and Aibonito Tactical Operations Division, Narcotics, Vice and Illegal Weapons, and Drug Court.

Law Enforcement Today (LET) reported García-Torres was a well-decorated officer receiving numerous commendations and awards, including bravery, during his distinguished career. He was also a recipient of Ponce’s Police Officer of the Year award.

García-Torres was a member of the Puerto Rico National Tae Kwon Do team. He competed in the Pan-American Games in Havana 1990, Indianapolis 1997, and the Dominican Republic in 1999.

The sergeant was killed only a few days before his 30th anniversary. Though he had nearly three decades on the job, he would not have been eligible for retirement until he turned 55 years of age.

He was father to four boys, one of whom, Engel García Colón, eulogized his father at a memorial. In the speech, he spoke highly of the treasured advice his father had always given him. PRPB Commissioner Antonio López Figueroa posthumously promoted García-Torres to the rank of sergeant.

LET also reported, “Villalba Mayor Luis Javier Hernández Ortiz had decreed a three-day mourning period after Sergeant García Torres’ death.” Also, “Puerto Rico Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi shared his condolences for the loss of Sergeant García Torres.”

Governor Pierluisi also praised the officers, who quickly responded, located, and apprehended the suspect. “To our Police, I reiterate my unconditional support, and I thank them for their agile and effective work that led to the prompt arrest of the suspect in this vile murder.”

Sergeant García-Torres will be interred in a private ceremony at Las Mercedes Cemetery.

 

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