A routine weeknight on San Antonio’s South Side turned into a crime scene yesterday when a man in his late 20s to early 30s was found bleeding in a car wash bay after being stabbed in the neck. He was rushed to a hospital with life threatening injuries, and detectives have launched an investigation.
Police account
San Antonio police said officers were called around 7:10 p.m. to the 5900 block of South Flores Street, just south of East Southcross, where they found the man "bleeding profusely" in a car wash bay. Before officers arrived, witnesses told police the victim had briefly gone into a nearby store asking for help, then left the business. Investigators believe he is experiencing homelessness. No arrests had been made as of Wednesday night and the investigation remains active, according to KSAT.
Citywide crime context
The stabbing landed at a time when San Antonio police officials have been pointing to an overall drop in crime citywide this year, which they credit in part to faster response times and targeted patrols. In a recent briefing to the city’s Public Safety Committee, SAPD reported that overall crime is down about 13 percent this year, with violent crime down roughly 9 percent and property crime down around 18 percent, as reported by the San Antonio Express-News.
SAFFE patrols and business outreach
On the South Side, SAPD’s SAFFE officers, the unit assigned to work closely with business districts, have increased outreach to local shops and strip centers. Officers have been offering security reviews and targeted foot patrols to help deter crime at small stores and in nearby parking lots. SAFFE officers told KSAT they regularly walk owners through fixes such as improved lighting and securing dumpsters, and they urge businesses to contact their assigned SAFFE officer when problems flare up.
How to help investigators
Police are asking anyone who saw what happened or who may have captured video in the area to contact SAPD. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the department’s Tip411 system. The city’s online tip form and the text option, by sending SATIP to 847411, are available on the City of San Antonio website.
