UPDATED: San Marcos Officials Identify Suspect, Officers In Shooting

Staff Reports

The San Marcos Police Department has released the names of three officers who were victims of a deadly shooting in San Marcos Saturday night. 

According to Interim Police Chief Bob Klett, the suspect ambushed officers Justin Putnam, Franco Stewart, and Justin Mueller when they entered the apartment in response to a domestic violence call.

Officer Putnam was fatally wounded during entry; officers Stewart and Mueller, who have both served with SMPD for less than a year, sustained severe injuries and were transported to Seton Hays.

Both have undergone surgery and remain in critical but stable condition.

Klett said there was nothing officers could do to escape the gunfire; the officers and the suspect were wearing body armor. 

“We lost a fine young man, a faithful officer, and friend last night. Justin Putnam was 31 and had been an SMP officer for five and a half years.” Klett said.

Putnam leaves behind a fiancé and family.

According to Klett, officials have made a preliminary identification of the suspect, Alfredo De La Cruz of San Marcos.

SMPD is working with the Texas Rangers to confirm his identity as “it appears he has operated under several different aliases,” Klett said.  

The Texas Rangers will lead the investigation. Further information will be released when it becomes available.

“We are eternally grateful for the outpouring of support and on-the-ground aid we received from these and other law enforcement partners,” said Klett.

A patrol car will be parked at City Hall, 630 East Hopkins Street, near the police and firefighter statues along Hopkins Street. Members of the public may leave memorials for Officer Putnam’s family and SMPD around the vehicle.

For information on donation opportunities, the public is encouraged to follow SMPD on Facebook.

SMPD also thanked the follow; the Texas Rangers for taking the lead in the investigation, Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Kyle Police Department, Buda Police Department, Austin Police Department, New Braunfels Police Department, Texas State University Police Department, Hays County Constables, Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol, City of San Marcos Park Rangers, FBI, Hays County EMS and the San Marcos Fire Department for assistance and continuing to help SMPD cover the streets.

Original Story:

• UPDATED 9:34 PM: SMPD Asks Residents To Shelter In Place During Active Investigation