San Bernardino restaurant holds fundraiser for wounded officer

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KABC) -- The people of San Bernardino came together Monday for a fundraiser to help a police officer who is recovering after being shot in August.

When the Mexico Cafe opened, it filled up quickly. By lunchtime, the line was out the front door, with almost everyone there to show support for Gabe Garcia.

"We live in the area where Gabe had this happen to him, and it was just so horrible, we felt so bad," said Sylvia Sanchez.

Garcia was wounded Aug. 22 in an officer-involved shooting. At the time, he was listed in extremely critical condition. But his parents say he's making incredible progress.

"He's upright, he's standing tall. It's not without effort, don't get me wrong. He's not standing tall like you and I, everything he's doing is labored, and things are painful, but he's continuing to fight through it," said Capt. Ron Garcia.

Ron Garcia is in the same police department as Gabe Garcia, as his son.

"Coincidentally I told him, I'd be retiring by the end of the year, and I told him then, that he'd be the only cop left in the family. We caught him before he got too emotional, but that was emotional for him," Ron Garcia said.

Bringing new meaning to the phrase, "To Protect and Serve," the table service came from Garcia's fellow officers.

Garcia's mother, Lydia Garcia, said the support is incredible.

"My son's a fighter, and he's strong. With all the prayers and love and support, I knew he was going to make it, and of course, this Christmas, he's our miracle," she said.

All tips and some of the profits from the fundraiser will go to Gabe Garcia's recovery. In addition, two local car dealers each donated $500 and Aquinas High School donated $1,000 to the event.

The fundraiser was expected to be held until 10 p.m.