Oct 31, 2023

SW Kan. killing suspect was caught after his truck had flat tire

Posted Oct 31, 2023 12:00 AM
Cadena-Garcia-photo KBI
Cadena-Garcia-photo KBI

FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have identified the two men who died in a Sunday morning shooting at a bar and grill in Dodge City.

The victims were identified as 28-year=old Abraham Morales-Santos, and 29-year-old Antonio A. Cabrera both of Dodge City, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

A 40-year-old shooting victim remains hospitalized in Wichita. His condition has improved, and he is currently stable. The fourth victim who was 27-years-old, was treated and released from the hospital.

The suspect Ricardo J. Cadena-Garcia, 36, of Dodge City, is being held in the Beaver County Jail in Oklahoma on a warrant for capital murder connected to the deaths of Morales-Santos and Cabrera, as well as requested charges for attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated battery. An extradition hearing is expected. 

Just after 1 a.m., Sunday 911 calls were placed reporting shots being fired at Central Station Bar and Grill,  207 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., in Dodge City. When officers from the Dodge City Police Department and deputies from the Ford County Sheriff’s Office arrived they found four men who had suffered gunshot wounds.

Preliminary information indicates that an altercation occurred and  Cadena-Garcia used a small caliber handgun to shoot and kill the two who died. He then fled the area.

Kansas authorities tracked Cadena-Garcia as he fled into Oklahoma. The Beaver County (Oklahoma) Sheriff’s Office sent deputies to search the area. They located Cadena-Garcia’s white Dodg Ram pickup 1.5 miles outside of Forgan, Oklahoma, according to the KBI.

The truck was disabled due to a blown front tire. Cadena-Garcia was waiting for assistance from an area tire shop when deputies approached his truck. He was arrested without incident.

Cadena-Garcia is being held in the the Beaver County Jail.

Any witness to this shooting who has not yet provided a statement to police is asked to contact the Dodge City Police Department at 620-225-8126. Additionally, any personal property that was left behind at the bar can be picked up at the Dodge City Police Department.