A high-speed police pursuit turned tragic when a San Antonio woman was fatally struck by a patrol car while the vehicle was in pursuit of a robbery suspect. The incident, which took place Friday night, resulted in the death of 47-year-old India Watson, according to KENS5. Teriane Watson, the victim's daughter, in a statement obtained by KENS5, expressed her devastation and desire for the police to also be held accountable, stating, "A bystander, someone who had nothing to do with what was going on, life was taken."
The San Antonio Police Department had been chasing 17-year-old Rene Camarillo, who is now facing charges including murder following the death of Watson. Camarillo had allegedly stolen a car and purse at gunpoint downtown before the deadly chase. Charged with evading arrest, aggravated robbery, and murder, Camarillo remains in Bexar County jail. According to FOX San Antonio, the chase ensued after officers located the stolen vehicle using GPS technology.
During their pursuit, as reported by witnesses in an interview with KENS5, they claimed that while the police lights were visible, the sirens were not heard. SAPD's chase policy mandates the use of both lights and sirens. This tragic event has sparked questions about police chase policies and the balance of interests between apprehending suspects and ensuring public safety.
India Watson, who recently moved to San Antonio from New Orleans to be closer to her family, was merely minutes from her home when the fatal incident occurred. "They took our heart away," Teriane told KENS5, grieving the loss of her mother who was eagerly settling into her new life with her grandchildren. A GoFundMe page has since been established to help transport Watson's body back to New Orleans for burial. The San Antonio Police Department has not publicly commented on the incident, but the officer involved in the crash has been placed on administrative duty pending the outcomes of two internal investigations.
