San Marcos community mourns officer killed in ambush shooting

SAN MARCOS, Texas - The patrol car San Marcos police officer Justin Putnam drove continued to be covered on Monday with flowers, personal notes and even a Superman trophy. The cruiser, parked in front of San Marcos City Hall, attracted several people throughout the day.

Bradan Armes, who has family in law enforcement, was among those placing flowers on the hood. “Heartbroken, just trying to stay together for the community and bring them closer together,” said Armes.

RELATED: San Marcos police officers, suspect identified in ambush shooting

The south San Marcos apartment complex where Putnam was shot and killed was quiet Monday morning. Windows to the unit where the deadly confrontation took place were boarded up. The front door was locked but severely damages.

On Saturday afternoon, Putnam, according to investigators, was ambushed by a suspect with a rifle as he went into the apartment. The gunman, identified as Alfredo Perez Delacruz, eventually died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

RELATED: Fallen San Marcos PD officer makes final trip home, public invited to pay respects along route

"We ask the community for prayers and support, we certainly are going to need it,” said Interim Police Chief Bob Klett during a Sunday briefing.

Those prayers are also for officers Franco Stewart and Justin Mueller, who were with Putnam and were also shot. They are in the ICU Monday at Seton Hospital in Kyle after undergoing surgery over the weekend. A city spokesperson says both were awake and started talking with family on Sunday.

RELATED: San Marcos: One officer dead, two others injured after being ambushed by suspect with rifle

Their continued recovery is good news for Hays County Constable Deputy Alice Flores who brought flowers to the roadside memorial and a request. " To keep them in prayers and thoughts, support them any way you can, if that's sending prayers or thinking about them, or helping the family with donations, or anything you can do that would benefit them greatly, their families,” said Flores.

A symbolic answer to that request for support could be seen all across San Marcos. Flags were lowered to honor the one lost and those who continue to heal.

The city has made a place on their website to give donations to the families of the three officers. The 100 Club of Central Texas is also helping.