2 Arrested After Alleged Shootings Near Air Force Base

Two men have been arrested following shooting incidents near an Air Force base in Texas.

At a Glance

Two men were arrested after allegedly firing rounds near Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.
The suspects were charged with deadly conduct with a firearm.
No military personnel were injured, but the base was temporarily shut down.
Federal and state agencies assisted in the investigation, with more charges possibly pending.

Arrests Made in JBSA-Lackland Shooting Incident

Joseph Jimenez, 19, and Ricardo Samaniego, 18, were arrested in connection to shootings near Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (JBSA). The incidents were reported during the early hours of August 17, specifically around 2:55 a.m. and 4:52 a.m. Both individuals have been charged with deadly conduct with a firearm. Many news outlets have stated that the suspects allegedly fired at security personnel and the gate at the base, but the press briefing on the shooting incidents only states that the men fired at homes near the base.

No military personnel were injured in the shootings, but the base entrance was shut down for several hours, impacting over 24,000 active-duty service members and a significant number of Department of Defense civilians, contractors, and family members housed at JBSA.

2 Men Arrested for Shooting at Air Force Security Personnel and Gate at Texas Base https://t.co/tyH0UGFirY

— Military.com (@Militarydotcom) September 9, 2024

Video Evidence and Investigation

Video evidence revealed that Jimenez and Samaniego were driving a stolen vehicle when they allegedly fired multiple rounds near the base. The car was later recovered by San Antonio Police along with shell casings that matched those from the crime scene. A shell casing from another incident at a birthday party later that same day was linked to the JBSA shootings. According to authorities, Jimenez negligently fired the gun during the party, striking Samaniego as he held a baby.

Authorities discovered that the handgun used in the shootings had been illegally modified with a switch to enable automatic fire. Jimenez faces additional charges and awaits a federal indictment for this modification. The FBI, ATF, and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations were key players in the investigation, and more federal and state charges could be pending as the investigation continues.