Seven police officers were shot while responding to a distress call in Texas, according to officials.
The incident took place on January 22 in San Antonio, at the 18700 block of Stone Oak Parkway. As officers arrived at the scene, a man in his 40s opened fire, initially hitting the first officer on the scene and subsequently shooting six others, as reported by the police on social media.
Authorities stated that the officers were initially called to handle a situation involving a potential suicide. A family member had contacted the police prior to their arrival.
Local media noted that the troubling events began shortly before 9 p.m. local time. Fortunately, the injured officers were taken to a hospital, where they were treated for injuries that were deemed “non-life threatening.” These officers had been with the department for four to eight years.
San Antonio Police Chief William P. McManus provided an update, stating that the first officer who responded was shot, followed by six more officers who were also attacked. SWAT teams soon arrived, and the suspect barricaded himself in the apartment for hours. Eventually, the suspect was found deceased. Investigators are still trying to determine whether he died from a self-inflicted wound or from police gunfire.
The suspect, who has not yet been named, had a recent run-in with the law, including three arrests on January 18, facing charges related to assault and driving under the influence. He was reportedly out on bond at the time of the shooting.
The police chief also mentioned that residents of the affected apartment complex were safely evacuated during the situation.
