Man Shot After Argument at Brownwood Chili’s; 15-Year-Old Suspect Arrested

BROWNWOOD, TX - A 15-year-old boy shot a man during an argument in the parking lot of a Brownwood restaurant Thursday night, October 17, authorities said.

The victim, Alvaro Garcia Jr., 35, was shot in the leg and later airlifted to a hospital in Abilene for treatment.

It happened at a Chili’s Restaurant on East Commerce Street, where Brownwood police responded to reports of disorderly conduct. The situation escalated when shots were fired in the restaurant’s rear parking lot.

According to police, Garcia was at the restaurant with family members when an argument broke out between them and the teen, who was familiar with the group. The altercation intensified and both groups exited the restaurant, leading the juvenile to pull out a pistol and shoot Garcia multiple times before fleeing the scene.

Garcia received care from Brownwood Fire Department and AMR Ambulance personnel before being flown to Abilene. His condition was not immediately available.

Law enforcement, including the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Early Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety, launched a search for the suspect. The juvenile was located and arrested around 12:45 a.m. Friday, October 18, on the 1300 block of 13th Street. He was taken into custody on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Police said the investigation is ongoing, and additional details were withheld for legal and investigative reasons.