Fatal Encounters

A step toward creating an impartial, comprehensive and searchable national database of people killed during interactions with police

Thomas Garcia

Name: Thomas Garcia
Age: 62
Gender: Male
Race: Hispanic/Latino
Date: 12/13/2005
Location: 922 Highland Avenue
Palmyra, New Jersey, 8065
County: Burlington
Agency: Riverton Borough Police Department
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Intended Use of Force: Deadly force
Media summary: Palmyra police responded to a 911 call reporting domestic violence taking place in Palmyra. Palmyra Patrolman John Quigg Jr., 42, and Riverton Patrolman, Tommy Merino, 37, responded. When police arrived at the scene Thomas Garcia exited the home armed with a knife and ran toward the officers, confronting them while brandishing the weapon. Garcia attacked and attempted to stab the officers. Garcia then attempted to stab officer Quigg in the chest and sliced a pouch located on the officer's duty belt with the knife. Officer Merino then shot and killed him.
Unique ID: 21755

News article: Link






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