7 Police Officers Shot in Harrowing Incident

7 Police Officers Shot in Harrowing Incident

A terrifying incident unfolded in San Antonio when seven police officers were shot responding to a family crisis call.

Quick Takes

  • Seven officers were injured in a shooting while responding to a “suicide in progress” call in San Antonio.
  • The incident occurred on Jan. 22 on Stone Oak Parkway, beginning just before 9 p.m. local time.
  • The suspect, who was found deceased, had prior arrests and was out on bond.
  • The officers’ injuries are serious but not life-threatening, and they are recovering in the hospital.

Details of the Shooting Incident

Seven police officers in San Antonio, Texas, were wounded during a response to a “suicide in progress” call on the evening of January 22. The scene of this distressing event was an apartment complex on Stone Oak Parkway. The first officer on site was met with gunfire, setting off a tragic sequence that led to six additional officers being injured. Emergency calls regarding the situation were placed just before 9 p.m. local time.

The officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and received timely medical assistance. All affected officers have between four and eight years of service, underscoring the level of experience and dedication within the department. SAPD Chief William P. McManus confirmed that SWAT teams engaged in attempts to resolve the crisis after the suspect barricaded himself inside the apartment.

Background of the Suspect and Response

The man responsible for the attack, in his 40s, was found deceased in the standoff’s aftermath. Uncertainty remains over whether the cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound or the result of police intervention. Reports disclose that the suspect had been previously arrested on January 18 for assault and driving while intoxicated and was later released on bond. The entire community was rocked by the incident, resulting in the evacuation of residents from the apartment complex for their safety.

The first four officers to arrive were shot in quick succession, with the violence further escalating during the ensuing standoff. SAPD Chief McManus remarked, “the first officer was shot, and six others subsequent to that were shot as well.” He also noted that a comprehensive investigation remains underway to determine the exact sequence of events during and after the standoff.

Impact and Community Response

As news of the shooting spread, local residents expressed their shock and distress. Joseph Loredo, a nearby resident, reported hearing gunshots and helicopters buzzing in the night. The police department has refrained from releasing further details as the investigation continues. As such incidents involving law enforcement responding to domestic emergencies underscore, protocols are constantly reviewed to maximize officer safety and community security.

Sources

  1. 7 Police Officers Shot While Responding to ‘Suicide in Progress’ Call in Texas, Authorities Say
  2. 7 police officers shot during standoff in San Antonio
  3. 7 cops shot in San Antonio while responding to call for help from apartment