FORT WORTH, Texas — Video showing a Fort Worth police officer tackling a man to the ground has gone viral on X, formerly known as Twitter, with more than 1.5 million views.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott responded to the video, saying simply: "This is the way."
Fort Worth police told WFAA the incident happened on Sept. 6 when officers responded to a "domestic disturbance call involving a weapon" at approximately 2:37 p.m. at 6500 Plaza Parkway. When officers got there, the suspect had already left, police said.
Officers quickly found the suspect's vehicle in the 5700 block of Interstate 30 service road and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect did not stop for officers, FWPD told WFAA.
A pursuit of the vehicle ensued, which came to a stop in the 1300 block of Green Oaks Road behind a department store, according to FWPD. This is behind an American Freight Furniture and Mattress, according to Google Maps.
Fort Worth police said the driver got out of his vehicle and began approaching the driver's side of the officer's patrol car. Officers immediately gave verbal commands to the suspect, FWPD said. Fort Worth police said the officer "recognizing the potential threat that the suspect might be armed with a weapon, closed the distance and successfully conducted a takedown, ensuring the suspect was safely apprehended."
Fort Worth PD said no further details were available as the incident remains under investigation.
Records show police arrested 28-year-old Mario Raul Garcia and he was charged with terroristic threat of family/household (Class A misdemeanor), evading arrest detention with vehicle (third-degree felony), unlawful carrying of a weapon (Class A misdemeanor) and terroristic threat (Class B misdemeanor).
"We are grateful that no officers or civilians were injured during this incident," FWPD said when reached via email.
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