For the second time in two weeks, a person has been hit and killed by a San Antonio Police officer. On Monday night, a man was struck in the 5500 block of San Pedro Avenue by the officer's patrol car and another vehicle.
People who work and live along the busy street say it can be a dangerous road. The workers at Heaven Sent Promotions & Apparel said the traffic can get really hectic. Officer Manager Susana Muniz said people drive very fast and sometimes erratic.
On Monday night, police shut down the area of the 5500 block of San Pedro Avenue. Investigators say 67-year-old Claude Espinosa was standing in the center lane, when an officer with his flashing lights on hit the man.
Owner Susan Subirias said she was shocked. "It is very sad," she said.
According to police, the officer, who has been on the force for eight years, was on his way to a reported aggravated robbery call. Police report Espinosa wasn't just hit by the police car, but another vehicle as well. He died at the scene. Investigators are looking at the officer's speed as well.
People who work and live along the busy street say there are a lot of problems.
"People fly by a lot faster than 35 [miles per hour], so there are a lot of accidents here too," Subirias said.
"They don't always cross at the light," Muniz said. "They don't cross at the corners. So, that is probably a problem too. If you notice there are no lights."
The officer will likely be placed on administrative duty pending the investigation led by Internal Affairs and the Traffic Investigations Unit.