Heroic act of passenger prevents Lawrence man from shooting driver

LAWRENCE, Kansas (KCTV) – A Lawrence man is behind bars after the bravery of a fellow passenger stopped him from shooting the driver of a car carrying a five-year-old child.

Shortly after 9 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, Lawrence, Kansas police were called to the area of ​​Morningside and Brush Creek Dr. for a report of a shooting.

When investigators arrived, they found a man, woman and child who reported that Elijah J. Garcia, 27, of Lawrence, got into the back seat of their vehicle. As the vehicle drove off, Garcia allegedly struck the male driver with his firearm and attempted to shoot him in the head.

Police officials said Garcia missed the target because the passenger, who was also hit by the gun, knocked the weapon away while the couple's five-year-old child was in the back seat.

When the vehicle reached the area where the emergency services were called, the family said they were able to get to safety. However, as they sped away, they collided with another vehicle.

According to investigators, both adult victims suffered significant facial injuries, while the child was physically unharmed.

Ultimately, according to LKPD, Garcia was arrested and taken to the Douglas County Law Enforcement Center, where he was charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault and aggravated child endangerment.

As of Sunday, Garcia remains behind bars with no bail set. No further information has been released.

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