San Marcos police on Wednesday ramped up their public search for 17-year-old John Anthony "Chucky" Contreras, who investigators say is wanted in connection with a November shooting near Texas State University. Authorities have labeled him armed and dangerous and say he is wanted on charges tied to an attempted capital murder investigation. The renewed alert follows months of detective work and tips from the public as the case stays very much open.
The shooting under investigation unfolded in the early morning hours of Nov. 2 in the 1600 block of Post Road at an apartment complex pool area, where officers arrived to find shell casings and what they described as "a large amount of blood." At least one person was taken to a hospital for treatment, according to KSAT.
Investigators have identified the suspect as John Anthony "Chucky" Contreras, 17, whose last known address was in Kyle. He is described as about 5 feet 4 inches tall and 140 to 150 pounds, with green eyes and brown hair, and is listed by Hays County Crime Stoppers as wanted for an attempt to commit capital murder of multiple persons. Officials are urging anyone who recognizes him not to approach but to contact authorities immediately.
The Express-News reports that Hays County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for tips that lead to an arrest, a payout meant to nudge anyone in San Marcos or nearby towns who might have seen Contreras to come forward.
Timeline and related arrests
The Post Road shooting was one of several separate incidents that hit San Marcos in the late hours of Nov. 1 and early Nov. 2, including a deadly downtown shooting that left one person dead and others hospitalized. The San Marcos Record reports that 17-year-old D’antrae Houston was arrested on Nov. 6 in Lockhart on related charges. Other suspects remain at large as investigators work through video evidence and witness statements.
What investigators are saying
San Marcos police have urged residents to stay alert and to avoid trying to detain any suspect themselves, instead calling law enforcement with information. The department has circulated photos and descriptions to local media and is coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions to widen the net, according to KENS5.
Legal note
Under Texas law, a "criminal attempt" charge requires proof of specific intent and conduct that goes beyond mere preparation, and the state penal code lays out how attempted capital offenses are charged and punished, per the Texas Penal Code. Because Contreras is a juvenile, additional legal rules and prosecutorial decisions can affect how he is detained and charged if he is taken into custody.
How to report tips
Anyone with information about Contreras’ whereabouts is asked to call the San Marcos Police Department at 512-753-2108 or submit an anonymous tip to Hays County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-324-8477 or online. The Hays County Crime Stoppers wanted list includes this case along with instructions for sending in tips and claiming the reward.
