El Paso, TX – A Texas police officer previously arrested on suspicion of domestic violence has been fired as new allegations emerged of him assaulting his girlfriend and threatening to shoot up her house, authorities said.

Joshua Anthony Gallardo, 29, was officially dismissed from the El Paso Police Department on Thursday, March 27, nearly two years after his first arrest for allegedly choking and punching his girlfriend, police spokesperson Officer Adrian Cisneros confirmed. No further details were released regarding his termination.

Gallardo, who served nearly five years with the department, was first placed on administrative leave in 2023 following an arrest on suspicion of assault involving family violence by impeding breath.

Multiple Arrests and Allegations

Jail and court records show Gallardo was arrested again on February 27, 2025, facing three new charges:

• Assault involving family violence
• Terroristic threats causing fear of serious bodily injury
• Assault impeding breath or circulation

These charges stem from three separate incidents, all reportedly involving the same woman:

• February 11, 2024: Gallardo allegedly choked his girlfriend during an argument.
• August 8, 2024: Another alleged assault incident occurred.
• January 17, 2025: Gallardo allegedly threatened to “shoot up” his ex-girlfriend’s house.

Court records indicate that Gallardo’s ex-girlfriend reported the threat to police, stating she feared for her life, especially because he was a law enforcement officer.

Incident Details

According to an affidavit, Gallardo invited his ex-girlfriend to a quinceañera on January 17, but she declined and attended a church event instead. He began repeatedly messaging her, demanding to know her whereabouts. Later that night, he allegedly left a threatening voicemail.

On February 11, after a night of drinking, Gallardo and his then-girlfriend argued when she discovered messages from another woman on his phone. As the argument escalated, Gallardo allegedly wrapped his arms around her chest and tightened his grip around her throat until she struggled to breathe. The woman managed to free herself by kicking him.

Legal Proceedings

Following his February 27 arrest, Gallardo was booked into the El Paso County Jail on a $30,000 bond. He was released after posting bail the same day.

His attorney, David Nunez, declined to comment on the case.

Gallardo was initially placed on administrative leave after his first arrest on July 9, 2023, for alleged domestic violence. However, his employment with the police department officially ended following the latest allegations.

As legal proceedings continue, Gallardo could face serious consequences if convicted on the new charges.