Gabriel Garza (Full Name: Gabriel Jesus Garza) Died After Being Restrained by Security Guard and Police Near Star Bar in San Diego
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (February 10, 2025) – A 40-year-old man identified as Gabriel Garza has tragically died after being arrested outside of the Star Bar in San Diego.
San Diego County officials are saying that the incident took place on Saturday evening in the Gaslamp Quarter. There was some type of disturbance at the Star Bar. A man was restrained by a security guard and another person.
Police were called to the scene and located the security guard and Gabriel Garza on the ground. He was arrested and allegedly continued to struggle.
Another officer arrived and secured his legs. Paramedics were also called to the scene in order to help the defendant. However, Gabriel Garza became unresponsive and was taken to the hospital.
A full investigation into the incident remains ongoing at this time.
Legal Considerations for San Diego County Police Deaths
Thousands of people are harmed in police encounters every year in the United States. According to the Law Enforcement Epidemiology Project, “In the U.S. during a given year, an estimated 1 million civilians experience police threat of or use of force resulting in a conservative estimate of 75,000 non-fatal injuries requiring hospital treatment and 600-1100 deaths.” Police officers should take a number of measures in order to avoid harming suspects.
- Police officers should work to de-escalate encounters.
- Police officers should avoid placing their weight on a suspect’s back.
- Police officers should allow suspects to sit upright as soon as possible if they’ve been taken to the ground.
Police officers should be mindful that certain restraint techniques could lead to positional asphyxia. This includes any technique that forces a suspect onto their stomach and in a prone position. Pursuant to 42 U.S. Code § 1983, every person who, under the color of any statute, law or ordinance, causes a citizen of the United States to be deprived of their rights secured by the constitution, shall be liable to the injured party in an action at law. A police department could be liable if the excessive force of their officers led to the death of a suspect.
Businesses and security companies could also be liable for the death of a person. Security guards must use reasonable care in order to avoid injuring suspects. When a security guard fails to do this, that could form the basis of a negligence claim. Under the California Business and Professions Code, security companies must provide their security guards with a minimum of 32 hours of training in the first six months that they are on the job. But this often does not happen. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any in-custody death.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records related to the incident should be preserved.
- The circumstances leading up to the death should be understood.
Many in-custody deaths are completely preventable. They tend to involve officers who are not following safety protocols. This could include pinning a suspect down for long periods in ways that restrict their breathing. It is important for victims of police brutality and their families to understand they do have rights. In particular, the family of any person who died in custody may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim. A civil rights attorney can examine all the unique facts of your case free of cost and let you know if security guards or police officers engaged in official misconduct.
Investigating San Diego County Police Deaths
We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family of Gabriel Garza. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.
Do you need more information about a San Diego County in-custody death? Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that law enforcement is held accountable for their illegal and excessive force. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free independent investigation into any particular incident, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to our office anytime at (949) 825-5200.
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