SAN ANTONIO — The Wednesday death of a 36-year-old man who died while pursuing a suspected illegal dumper has left a business owner emotionally devastated.
“He was like my son,” said the business and property owner, who wished to remain anonymous due to safety concerns. “If you met him, you wouldn’t really want to mess with him because he’s got that look that’s intimidating. But his heart’s soft. He’s a good guy.”
The county medical examiner later identified the victim as 36-year-old George Edward Gomez, saying he died of blunt neck trauma from a high-speed car crash along Highway 181 just before Loop 1604. Authorities noted there were no indications he had been shot.
The business owner said Gomez was not just an employee, but a close friend he’s known for decades.
“It’s an emotional rollercoaster because the gentleman that died was a very good man. He’s got two boys and he’s a hardworking man, turned his life around,” the owner said.
The owner said his son and Gomez caught a suspected illegal dumper in the act near the business. Law enforcement officials said the accused illegal dumper may have “brandished a firearm.”
The owner’s son and Gomez proceeded to pursue the suspect in separate vehicles.
BCSO started receiving calls around 4 p.m. from the area of Highway 181 South and Loop 1604.
Sheriff Javier Salazar said on Wednesday that 911 dispatch urged the pursuing individuals to refrain from following the suspect. But that advice was ignored.
Witnesses told authorities they saw an exchange of gunfire between two vehicles traveling at high rates of speed. At 4:15 p.m., Salazar said, Gomez's crashed vehicle was discovered.
Later in the evening, BCSO seized the orange Dodge pickup that the suspect was driving. Investigators have yet to identify the suspect or suspects they’re looking for, and authorities said it’s too early to say what charges the accused illegal dumper would possibly face.
“They went to chase him. I wish they wouldn’t have. I wish they’d let it go. A 1-year-old and a 5-year-old don’t have their dad anymore because of trash,” the owner said.
The owner, keeping close with the Gomez's family, is hopeful BCSO finds the suspect. He also has a message for the community at-large.
“Don’t pursue something that’s so meaningless. Trash can be thrown away, picked up. Lives can’t be.”
BCSO is asking witnesses to turn in captured video and provide any information that could assist in the investigation.
Tipsters can call BCSO’s non-emergency number 210-335-6000 or email bcsotips@bexar.org.