A routine day of shopping in Seguin turned tense on Thursday, March 19, when police say a 28-year-old man threatened to seriously injure random customers inside a local business, then tried to bolt once officers showed up. The man, identified by authorities as 28-year-old Alex Baltierra, was arrested outside the storefront and later booked into the Guadalupe County Jail. No one was hurt in the encounter, which unfolded in the 700 block of East Kingsbury Street. While handling the call, officers also discovered two active warrants tied to Baltierra, according to police.
Police response and arrest
Seguin officers were dispatched to the 700 block of East Kingsbury Street after reports that a man was making threats inside the business. When officers arrived, the suspect tried to run but was caught outside, police told KENS5. The station reports that Baltierra was booked on three counts of making a terroristic threat, along with an evading arrest or detention charge, and that officers also discovered two active warrants. Police described the arrest as happening without further incident.
Charges and legal context
According to authorities, the case involves multiple counts of making a terroristic threat, a Texas offense that can be charged at different levels depending on what the threat was meant to do and what impact it had. Under Section 22.07 of the Texas Penal Code, certain terroristic-threat offenses that place the public in fear or disrupt public services are classified as third-degree felonies. A third-degree felony in Texas carries a possible sentence of two to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000, per the Texas Penal Code. Any potential punishment would depend on which specific subsection prosecutors say applies.
Local context
Threat-related arrests are not new to the Seguin area. In recent years, similar cases, including social-media videos and campus-related threats, have drawn extra attention from law enforcement. The San Antonio Express-News reported on 2023 arrests tied to video threats against Seguin High School, after which officials increased patrols and encouraged people to speak up if they saw worrying posts. Community leaders and school officials have consistently pushed the message that quick reporting helps police move just as quickly when something looks off.
Baltierra remains in custody at the Guadalupe County Jail on the listed counts, and the investigation is still ongoing, according to KENS5. The outlet also reports that officers confirmed two active warrants during the call and that no injuries were reported.
