Patrolman Nash Phillip Garcia, New Mexico State Police, New Mexico

Patrolman Nash Phillip Garcia

New Mexico State Police, New Mexico

End of Watch Friday, April 11, 1952

Nash Phillip Garcia

Patrolman Nash Garcia was shot and killed after being lured into a pursuit on U.S. 66 near Grants. The two suspects had prior dealings with Patrolman Garcia and intentionally broke several traffic laws in order to have Patrolman Garcia attempt to follow them. During the pursuit the suspects drove onto a dirt road in a mountainous area. As Patrolman Garcia came around a bend he was fatally shot by one of the brothers with a rifle.

When his patrol car came to a stop the suspects dragged him out of it and beat him with the rifle butt until it broke. They then drove his car into a patch of trees. They returned the next day and lit the car on fire.

After a witness came forward the suspects were apprehended and told officers where they hid Patrolman Garcia's body. The suspects were sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder.

Patrolman Garcia had been in law enforcement for ten years and was survived by his wife and three daughters. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Bio

Age 39
Tour 10 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle
Offender Two suspects convicted

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Most Recent Reflection

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I remember attending the yearly Officer Memorial for Officer Garcia and Officer Aragon. They are the the only two officers killed in the line of duty in the community. Years later I was lucky to marry Officer Garcia's beautiful Great Grand daughter. Although she never met him, his memory always remained. My 4 year old son loves everything about Law Enforcement and wants to be just like Dad. My son knows about his Great Great Grandfather and knows he is a Hero. His legacy will continue to be carried on.

Sergeant Joseph Galindo
Grants Police Department

February 14, 2018