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Suspected Gunman Who Fatally Shot Mission Officer had Lengthy Criminal History

4 years 9 months 1 week ago Friday, June 21 2019 Jun 21, 2019 June 21, 2019 5:46 PM June 21, 2019 in News - Local

MISSION – Records reveal it was not the first time the suspected gunman who shot and killed a Mission officer had a physical confrontation with a law enforcement officer.

Juan Carlos Chapa, Jr., 33, had a pattern of frequent run-ins with the law, his family confirmed.

The family explained to CHANNEL 5 NEWS they tried to help him on multiple occasions.

Chapa saw a judge for 13 different cases. His first incident reported when he was 18 years old.

The majority of the cases against him were for drug possession; other charges include DWI, trespassing and theft.

According to the family, some of the charges were for breaking in and taking things from his mother’s house after being kicked out.

Mission police said Chapa ran away from police before getting into the confrontation with Cpl. Jose Luis Espericueta.

Chapa was charged before with evading arrest in 2008 and again in March of this year.

In the most recent arrest, court records state Chapa “intentionally or knowingly prevent or obstruct Randy De La Garza, person the defendant knew to be peace officer, from effecting an arrest, search or transportation of the defendant, by using force against said peace officer.”

On Thursday night, Chapa’s mother waved down police concerned over her son; she told police Chapa had shot at her car with a handgun.

Espericueta was a patrol supervisor and responded to help the officer who was first on the scene.

The family told us they tried getting Chapa help for drug abuse and depression.

They said they’re saddened by their own loss, but are also sad for the family of Cpl. Espericueta who gave his life protecting their community.

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