A San Antonio police officer was struck by a vehicle during a traffic stop downtown Friday night, and the 20-year-old driver accused of hitting him was arrested after allegedly fleeing the scene. The officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the encounter, which unfolded just after 9 p.m. near North Frio and West Martin streets.
According to KENS 5, the officer was in the middle of a traffic stop around 9:16 p.m. Friday when the suspect struck him with a vehicle. Police said the driver then fled before officers managed to locate, stop and arrest him.
Officer Suffers Non-Life-Threatening Injuries
The officer's injuries were described only as non-life-threatening, with no further medical details released. The station's report does not identify the officer by name, and no additional condition updates have been made public.
Police also have not released the suspect's name, booking information or the specific charges he now faces in connection with the incident. It remains unclear what led up to the stop or why the situation escalated.
Not the First Close Call for SAPD on Downtown Streets
Friday's incident is the latest in a string of close calls for San Antonio police working near the city's downtown core. In April, bike patrol officers attempted to pull over a car for traffic violations near East Commerce and Navarro streets around 9:30 p.m., according to KTSA. One of those officers fell during the brief chase and suffered minor injuries, that report noted — a separate case from Friday's incident, but one that underscores the risks officers face during roadside stops in the area.
In another unrelated case, a different San Antonio officer was dragged several yards after a driver sped off during a traffic stop, per a separate KENS 5 report. That officer also suffered minor, non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital. The driver in that incident, identified as Jose Angel Rodriguez, was charged with aggravated assault against a public servant — though it's not known whether Friday's downtown case will result in similar charges.
No further details have been released about Friday's arrest, including whether the suspect will face charges tied to striking the officer or fleeing the scene. Hoodline will update this story as more information becomes available.
