On Aug. 22, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the Garland Police Department responded to the report of a man shot in the 1300 block of Northwest Highway. A male, later identified as 33-year-old Francisco Javier Pasillas, was inside his Cadillac Escalade suffering from a gunshot wound. Garland paramedics transported him to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.
GPD detectives learned Pasillas was traveling westbound on Centerville Road with his wife when a dispute erupted between Pasillas and the occupants of a Chevrolet pickup that was traveling the same direction. The Chevrolet was occupied by a driver and an adult passenger.
Officers and detectives conducted a videotaped interview of Pasillas’ wife, who said her husband (Francisco Pasillas) was “mad” after being cut off by the driver of the pickup. Pasillas’ wife informed detectives that Pasillas threw a glass bottle at the pickup. She said shots were fired after Pasillas had thrown the object.
Detectives recovered video from a nearby business showing the Escalade, driven by Pasillas, catching up to the pickup, which was traveling westbound on Centerville Road approaching Northwest Highway. As Pasillas pulled up along the passenger side of the truck, Pasillas can be seen with his driver’s side window open and appears to be throwing an object at the pickup, which is consistent with statements given by his wife.
The driver of the pickup continued from the scene and drove to the Rowlett Police Station. He said he drove to the police station to report the incident and has been cooperative throughout the stigation.
The driver of the pickup waived his right to remain silent and to have an attorney present and agreed to be interviewed by detectives. He said he observed the Escalade driving erratically and following his vehicle closely. The driver of the pickup and the passenger said that as the Escalade pulled up alongside their vehicle, they heard a loud pop, and the back window shattered, sending glass into the cabin of the truck. Both said they believed the driver of the Escalade was shooting at them. The driver of the pickup indicated he was in fear for his life and fired back at the Escalade.
The Escalade and pickup were both seized as evidence. Detectives observed the rear passenger side window of the pickup to be shattered and glass was inside the vehicle.
Garland Police Department detectives have been in almost daily contact with the family of Francisco Pasillas since the date of the incident. Garland’s Police Chief Jeff Bryan has also met with the family on two separate occasions to update them on the investigation.
The Garland Police Department has been in contact with the Dallas County DA’s office throughout the investigation. Based on all evidence, video and witness statements obtained through the investigation, this case will be referred to the Dallas County Grand Jury.
The identity of the shooting suspect will not be released unless determined by the grand jury that criminal charges are to be filed.
This shooting is a tragic example of senseless road rage, impacting the lives of numerous people in multiple families. GPD investigates all crime and will be sure charges are filed as appropriate.