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Man taken to hospital after being shot by police during standoff

Police said preliminary information indicates that the suspect may have pointed his gun at police. SAPD says five officers opened fire on him.

SAN ANTONIO — A man wanted for domestic violence was shot by a San Antonio police officer Tuesday following a standoff on the city's far southeast side.

Paul Ayala, 41, was issued a warrant for his arrest after shooting his girlfriend on March 2, "severely injuring" her liver, according to arrest records. 

On Tuesday afternoon he fled down Southcross Ranch Road in an attempt to escape authorities who had located him, SAPD Chief William McManus said. Police say the suspect had a gun and a woman was inside the vehicle with him, but she was able to get out at some point.

Chopper 5 footage gathered from over the scene shows a silver car surrounded by law enforcement vehicles. About a dozen officers can be seen with their guns trained on the vehicle from positions of cover. After several minutes, the officers can be seen opening fire, leaving bullet holes in several windows. 

Chief McManus said this was the point when the suspect put the gun to his head, then reportedly pointed it at officers. That's when five officers fired shots at Ayala, hitting him.

SAPD later identified the officers at Christopher Copeland, Dennis Davis, Derek Huesing, Jamal Johnson and Mario Lozano. The length of their respective SAPD tenures range from two to 14 years. 

After the shots were fired, the officers can be seen staying in cover for about a minute before they slowly approach the car. One officer can be seen trying to open the driver's side door and retreating back to cover when it doesn't open.  

About five more minutes passed before officers again were seen approaching the vehicle and opening the passenger door. A man exited the car from the driver’s side door a minute later. He was obviously injured. 

Law enforcement slowly approached and appeared to cuff the man, who was lying on his chest. Officers appeared to begin rendering first aid, and about three minutes later the man was put into an ambulance.

Police say Ayala was taken to the hospital, but haven't elaborated on his condition. He faces charges of evading arrest in a vehicle and felon in possession of a firearm, in addition to the previous charges of drug possession and domestic violence. 

The involved officers are on administrative duty as the investigation continues. 

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