Colton Prepares to Go Blue in Support of Law Enforcement

The City of Colton is showing solidarity and support for a police officer who was wounded in a shooting last month by draping itself in blue. Beginning Monday, Sept. 22, Colton residents are invited to cover the city in shades of blue ribbons and lights to honor San Bernardino City police officer Gabriel Garcia, 31, who was critically wounded in a shooting in San Bernardino on Aug. 22. The intent is also to honor all law enforcement officers, according to a release issued by the Colton Chamber of Commerce. Garcia was shot in the head during an early morning Aug. 22 confrontation when Alex Alvarado, 38, allegedly opened fire on Garcia and his rookie partner after the police officers walked up to a group on the 1900 block of Garner Avenue in San Bernardino, according to initial reports of the incident. The rookie officer, who remains unnamed, killed Alvarado during an ensuing gun battle, police told news media. Three men—20-year-old Jonathan Contreras, 22-year-old Gonzalo Medina and 24-year-old Orlando Cruz—have since pleaded not guilty to two counts of attempted murder on a peace officer and possession of an assault rifle. If found guilty, the men could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. Garcia was hospitalized at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) and underwent surgery. Doctors announced Sept. 8 that he was breathing on his own after being taken out of a medically-induced coma according to a tweet posted by the San Bernardino City Police. The Colton Police Department will be giving out free blue light bulbs at the department headquarters, 650 North La Cadena Drive, beginning 9 a.m. Sept. 22. Residents who wish to pick up their blue light bulbs must bring a valid form of identification such as a driver license or California ID card with a valid Colton address.