Security Guard Shares SHOCKING Story of Self-Defense | AOR Client Testimonial
August 1, 2025
Criminal defense attorneys Andrew C. Marcantel and Joey Hamby interview Eric Salisbury, an Attorneys On Retainer (AOR) member and armed security professional at the Gan Jewish Preschool in Portland, Oregon. On May 8, 2024, Mr. Salisbury encountered an incident involving a reckless driver, which forced him to make a life-or-death decision. The incident prompts questions about the use of force and the legal responsibilities of armed security officers in high-risk environments.
Background
On May 8th, around 11:43 am, Mr. Salisbury sat in his vehicle, watching the preschool parking lot entrance and exit. He saw a lime green hatchback enter the driveway. Initially, he wasn’t worried because visitors and delivery vehicles often frequented this area. However, the driver suddenly sped through the lot at an estimated 25 to 30 mph.
Due to the parking lot’s narrow layout, Mr. Salisbury pointed out that such driving was unsafe in an area where children and parents might be present. A speed limit of 15 mph would typically be suitable in this type of environment. What also increased his concern was the driver leaving the parking lot and returning just two minutes later.
The Narrow Parking Lot
The preschool driveway is narrow, with parking spaces lining both sides, making it hard for vehicles to maneuver safely. To maintain tight security, Mr. Salisbury always approaches any car that enters the lot to greet the driver and offer assistance. This routine helps him stay aware of who is coming and going.
The driveway connects to both Southwest Capitol Highway and Vermont Street. Next to the preschool is a clinic with an employee parking lot. This lot ends at a gate that opens directly into the preschool playground. Unlike the taller, more secure fencing around the rest of the playground, this gate is lower and easier to climb.
Mr. Salisbury mentioned that he could not see or respond to someone entering through the gate from the clinic side unless the preschool staff alerted him.
“But really to see it in person, you can see how narrow that is.”
– Attorney Marcantel
Initial Confrontation
As Mr. Salisbury approached the vehicle, the driver sped toward him, nearly hitting him. This led him to believe the driver was trying to intimidate or potentially harm him. Mr. Salisbury approached the vehicle to gather identifying details, including the license plate and a description of the driver.
“He is going so fast through the parking lot, that I have to step out of the way and go on his passenger side or he would have hit me.”
– Mr. Salisbury
The Second Confrontation
The driver had parked in the clinic parking lot, and Mr. Salisbury approached calmly to gather information about the vehicle. As he got closer, the driver suddenly exited the vehicle and charged him with clenched fists and an aggressive stance.
“My firearm is in its holster. My pepper spray is in its holster. I am presenting a clear sign that I am not aggressive, that I am not a threat.”
– Mr. Salisbury
Despite efforts to de-escalate, Mr. Salisbury was brought to the ground. The driver took control, making it nearly impossible for Mr. Salisbury, who was wearing body armor, to defend himself effectively. Fearing for his life and the safety of the preschool, Mr. Salisbury decided to draw his firearm.
When Mr. Salisbury pulled out his firearm, the driver taunted him and challenged him to shoot. Mr. Salisbury allowed the driver time to surrender, but when the threat persisted, he fired one shot into the driver’s abdomen.
“I know I’m going to lose consciousness here, and I need to make a decision and make a decision quick because… he’s got access to my firearm, he’s got access to my extra magazines, and he does have access to the keys to the school.”
– Mr. Salisbury
Use of Force
Mr. Salisbury explained that his training with standard security focuses on aiming for the center of mass rather than the limbs to effectively stop a threat. He notes that shooting Mr. Garza in a non-vital area of the abdomen was enough to neutralize the threat. He also pointed out that using pepper spray wasn’t safe because it would have affected him just as much.
After Neutralizing the Threat
After the shooting, Mr. Salisbury regained his composure, deactivated the body camera alarm that had been triggered, and knocked on the clinic’s door to seek medical help for Mr. Garza. He called 911, reported the incident as self-defense, and requested emergency medical assistance. Police and emergency responders arrived promptly. The officers requested to view his body camera footage, which confirmed his account. Mr. Salisbury sustained scrapes, bruises, and injuries consistent with being strangled on the ground.
“Within what, two weeks of this, there was another killing, a targeted killing and assassination of two young Jewish people in Washington, DC.”
– Attorney Hamby
The Public Response
Mr. Salisbury highlighted the growing security concerns within the Jewish community due to recent anti-Semitic attacks around the country. Despite this, some local media outlets criticized Mr. Salisbury’s decision to leave the preschool property to confront Mr. Garza. Mr. Salisbury asserted that his actions were necessary to protect the children and staff.
“Can you imagine what the public response would be, if the armed security guard whose job it was to protect those children said, ‘Ah, I can’t step physically in that parking lot because there’s another parking lot between me and that gate.’ There would be outrage right now.”
– Attorney Marcantel
Prosecutors’ Response
After a six-week investigation, the district attorney’s office decided not to pursue criminal charges against Mr. Salisbury. They issued a public statement confirming that he acted in self-defense. The statement emphasized that Mr. Salisbury only used the necessary force to neutralize the threat. It also pointed out that Mr. Garza’s actions left him with no reasonable alternatives. Attorney Marcantel also revealed that the investigators later discovered Mr. Garza had a mental illness and had attempted suicide.
Civil Litigation
Although criminal charges have been dropped, Mr. Salisbury and his legal team at The Attorneys For Freedom Law Firm (AFF) stay alert for possible civil lawsuits from Mr. Garza’s family. AOR continues to offer support, such as counseling.
Mr. Salisbury emphasized the importance of participating in a dedicated self-defense program. He credited AOR’s quick response and expertise with protecting his rights and managing the complex aftermath of the incident.
“I could not be more happy having you all [AOR] in my corner through this whole thing… and the fact that it did not break my bank.”
– Mr. Salisbury
At AFF, we don’t just talk about defending freedom; we do it in the courtroom every day. If you’re a responsible gun owner or someone who values freedom, we encourage you to explore our AOR Program. If you would like to know more about our law firm and how our AOR Program can help you, please call 866-404-5112 or email us.
