Garland, Texas – Early Monday morning, Garland police officers engaged in a tense standoff with 37‑year‑old Michael Antonio Santacruz, who was armed with a machete. After more than 20 minutes of attempts to de‑escalate the situation, officers were forced to use lethal force when Santacruz ignored repeated commands and continued to advance.
Timeline of the incident
At approximately 2:15 a.m., dispatch received a call reporting a man walking near a 24‑hour gas station on the 3000 block of Broadway Boulevard while brandishing a machete. Officers canvassed the area but did not locate the individual.
A second call came in at about 3:20 a.m., describing a man matching the earlier description standing at a bus stop near Broadway Boulevard and Colonel Drive, still armed with the machete. Responding officers found Santacruz holding the weapon.
Garland Police Public Information Officer Matt Pesta told reporters that officers spent up to 25 minutes attempting to negotiate with Santacruz, repeatedly ordering him to drop the machete. The department also deployed a less‑lethal electrical control device, but the tool failed to stop him.
When Santacruz continued to swing the machete and moved aggressively toward the officers, multiple officers discharged their firearms. Paramedics from the Garland Fire Department, who were already staged nearby, rendered aid and transported Santacruz to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Official response and investigation
No officers or members of the public were injured during the incident. The Garland Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division is leading the investigation into the shooting. In addition, the department’s Professional Standards Unit and the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Division are conducting separate reviews.
Under department policy, the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave while the investigations proceed. Both northbound and southbound lanes of Broadway Boulevard at Colonel Drive were temporarily closed while investigators processed the scene.
Community impact
The shooting underscores the challenges law‑enforcement faces when confronting individuals armed with dangerous weapons. Garland officials emphasized the importance of public safety and the department’s commitment to thorough, transparent investigations.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about ongoing police activities and to report any suspicious behavior promptly. The city will provide updates as the investigations conclude.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
