In a release of new bodycam footage by San Antonio Police, the details surrounding a fatal officer-involved shooting at 17800 La Cantera Parkway on May 19th have come to light. According to FOX San Antonio, the incident involved 21-year-old Angel Gabriel Cuevas, who was shot after allegedly driving toward officers in a stolen vehicle in an attempt to flee.
The officers, responding initially to a narcotics call, had parked their car behind the stolen vehicle to preclude its departure. While attending to the call, Cuevas reportedly returned to the vehicle. Officers claimed that, sensing their arrival, Cuevas attempted to evade them by driving towards them, ostensibly to ram. It was in the wake of this threat, that the police discharged their firearms, resulting in Cuevas' death, pronounced later at a nearby hospital.
Residents of the La Cantera Terrace, where the shooting unfolded, are expressing a heightened sense of insecurity, a sentiment captured in an interview with local Lisa Trull, by News 4 San Antonio. She conveyed her frustration, remarking, "It just makes me mad, I’ve lived here for so long. I love going to the dog park here but I’m feeling more and more unsafe."
When News 4 San Antonio took these concerns to the San Antonio Police Department, Officer Nick Soliz, serving as a Public Information Officer, affirmed that the SAPD has taken measurable actions to clamp down on property-related crimes. With safe officers known to apartment managers and business owners in the community, a collaborative effort is underway to devise strategies to combat crime. Citing the effectiveness of their Property Crimes Task Police saw an actual reduction in calls for car break-ins at La Cantera and Rim areas compared to last year during the same period. Yet, the thefts of cars have seen an unfortunate spike since the beginning of 2024.
Moving forward, Officer Soliz emphasized the importance of community vigilance, advising residents to report any suspicious activities. "There's nothing wrong with calling in and saying I'm actually something suspicious, can we have an officer come check it out, we're all about proactive policing, as well, and help us help you in that situation," referenced Soliz to News 4 San Antonio. The department's stance on proactive policing aims to work synergistically with the community to address the uptick in crime and soothe the apprehensions that have been simmering in the aftermath of the May 19 shooting.
