Video shows moment suspect shot, killed by driver after trying to steal car with family inside, Garland police say

Surveillance video from a nearby business captured the moment a driver shot and killed a suspect who was attempting to carjack his vehicle, with his family, including several children, inside, according to the Garland Police Department. 

Officers said they were first alerted to a crash along Highway 66 near Dairy Road around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, where a green vehicle had allegedly hit two other cars on the roadway. Police said the driver of that car, whose name hasn't been released, then stopped at a nearby gas station and tried to take several vehicles by force. Officers said those attempts were unsuccessful.

Surveillance video shows the suspected carjacker crossing the street to a convenience store parking lot. 

The suspect is seen approaching a white Impala and walking directly to the driver's side, appearing to raise his arm. At that moment, the driver jumped out, apparently holding a gun. He tried to pull the man away from the vehicle, but the two began fighting.

The video shows a young boy running from the car, along with two women and children, as the driver continued to struggle with the suspected carjacker. Once the family was out of the vehicle, the driver moved away from the car with his gun drawn, circling the vehicle before firing and striking the suspect.

Police said the suspected carjacker – now identified as 30-year-old Jose Ramirez – was unarmed. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died. No other injuries were reported.  

Police said the suspected carjacker, who was unarmed, was taken to a hospital, where he later died. No other injuries were reported. 

Officers said the driver of the Impala remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. 

"As right now we're looking at this as self-defense," Garland Police spokesperson Pedro Barineau said. "We have to look at the totality of the circumstances; there are three incidents total that occurred during this shooting."

Taylor Stanfield, who has lived in the area for 13 years and saw the aftermath, said the situation was too close to home.

"It's definitely very concerning," Stanfield said. "My kids are playing outside all the time, my wife is out there with them, and like I said, if somebody like this were able to drive away in that vehicle, who knows what could have happened."

Police said the investigation remains ongoing, and no charges have been filed as of publication.