An encounter on San Antonio's East Side has left two men facing serious charges, with one driver's quick response being lauded as self-defense, local authorities say. The San Antonio Police Department reported that yesterday afternoon, two individuals attempted to rob a motorcycle and subsequently threatened a motorist with firearms; the motorist responded by hitting the assailants with his vehicle. Both incidents of assault and attempted theft unfolded within close proximity on the 400 block of Sterling Street. According to KSAT, the driver managed to disarm the men after the collision.

The situation escalated rapidly, beginning with the attempted motorcycle theft and culminating when the two suspects, who were on bikes, confronted a driver. The suspects allegedly pointed guns at him, prompting the driver, who the police have verified was not connected to the initial theft, to defend himself forcefully, KTSA reports. One of the suspects attempted to flee the scene but was captured and both have been arrested, with two guns retrieved by the police.

In the aftermath, several relatives of the gunmen were detained, although no additional arrests have been made. The assailants are facing charges of aggravated robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, this a confirmation of the severe nature of their alleged crimes. The driver, whose identity has yet to be disclosed, will not be charged, the police have indicated that his actions were justified as self-defense.