A Texas father fatally shot Jose Ramirez, a 30-year-old illegal immigrant from Mexico, after Ramirez tried to forcibly carjack his vehicle containing his family of eight, including a baby, in a Garland convenience store parking lot Sunday afternoon.
The shooting occurred around 3:30 p.m. after Ramirez crashed his car into two other vehicles and fled to a nearby gas station, where he unsuccessfully attempted to steal several cars by force, according to the Garland Police Department. Surveillance video captured the violent struggle as Ramirez yanked the father from the driver's seat and forced his way inside the vehicle.
Family Scrambles to Safety During Attack
Video obtained by FOX 4 Dallas shows a small child running from the back seat as the family scrambled to escape the attack. Ramirez closed the car doors and positioned himself in the driver's seat before the father opened fire from the passenger side, police said.
The father remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. No charges were filed against him, with authorities determining the shooting appeared justified as self-defense.
It seemed to be self-defense. It kind of all happened like really fast.
While Ramirez was unarmed, police emphasized he was "using force" and the father had no way of knowing whether the attacker possessed a weapon during the chaotic encounter.
Ramirez was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. No other injuries were reported among the family members or bystanders.
Witness Recorded Earlier Car Break-ins
Tatiana Starks, manager of a nearby vape shop, told FOX 4 she witnessed Ramirez breaking into cars at the gas station before the carjacking attempt and recorded the incident. The pattern suggests Ramirez was on a crime spree before targeting the family's vehicle.
This case highlights the deadly consequences when illegal immigrants commit violent crimes against American families. The father's quick action likely prevented his family from being kidnapped or worse by a desperate criminal who had already demonstrated willingness to use force against multiple victims.
Fox News has requested Ramirez's immigration history from the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, though neither agency has yet responded with details about his legal status or prior deportations.
