What started as a routine eviction on San Antonio’s East Side turned into a tense afternoon standoff on Tuesday when a man allegedly opened fire on deputies, hitting one in the vest and locking down an apartment complex until SWAT moved in with tear gas.
Shots Fired During Eviction Call
Around 4 p.m., deputies serving eviction papers at the Artisan at Willow Springs apartments on Gembler Road came under fire from inside the unit, KSAT reported. Precinct 4 deputies were attempting to open the door when the shots were fired, prompting road closures and a rapid law-enforcement response to evacuate nearby residents.
Deputy Hit in Vest, Suspect Barricades Inside
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said one deputy constable was struck by a bullet that hit his body armor, which is believed to have prevented serious injury, according to the San Antonio Express-News. The deputy was expected to be OK.
Salazar said the 49-year-old suspect, who he indicated may have a military background, stayed holed up in the apartment and continued firing from inside. After a prolonged standoff, SWAT officers used tear gas to flush the man out and were able to take him into custody.
The suspect faces at least one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, and Salazar noted that the list of charges could change as investigators sort through the evidence.
Neighbors Ordered Inside as SWAT Moves In
Residents at the complex were told to shelter in place while a mixed BCSO and SAPD SWAT team moved into position, and several neighboring units were cleared as a precaution, according to what tenants told KSAT.
“SWAT came in and said everyone get inside, get your kids inside, there’s an active shooter … I came inside,” resident Valerie Mendoza told the station, describing how quickly the complex shifted from ordinary weekday to active crime scene.
Officials said the unit where tear gas was deployed will need to be ventilated before anyone can safely go back in, and they warned residents that law enforcement and investigators would likely be on site for hours.
Ongoing Investigation
Members of BCSO’s criminal investigation unit remained at the scene to document and process evidence, Salazar told the San Antonio Express-News. Investigators were still working to determine whether gunfire came from inside the apartment only or if any rounds were fired outside as well.
Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s name publicly and say additional charges could be filed as the investigation develops.
