SAN ANTONIO — A San Antonio family is calling for accountability nearly a year after a police chase ended in tragedy.
This weekend marks what would have been India Watson’s 48th birthday. Instead, loved ones continue to mourn their loss.
On Jan. 26, Watson was crossing South WW White Road near Mercury Drive when she was struck and killed by a police patrol vehicle.
Officers were pursuing a teenager who allegedly stole a vehicle at gunpoint. Rene Camarillo, 17, was charged with Felony Murder and Evading Arrest.
Teriane Watson wants the officer who hit her mother to be held responsible too.
The San Antonio Police Department's (SAPD) policy requires officers to have lights and sirens on during a chase. But witness statements and surveillance video suggest the officer’s sirens weren't activated. Police are also trained to consider vehicle and pedestrian traffic before initiating a pursuit.
After an internal review, SAPD says the officer was cleared of any wrongdoing. He's now back on active duty.
“I am hurt to find out he is back on active duty,” said Teriane. “I want him to take accountability. Two vehicles swerved to avoid her. If he wasn’t going so fast and so close to the other car, and if they were taking the proper precautions, she would have seen and heard them and would have been able to run back (to the sidewalk). They have to take responsibility for their actions.”
Teriane says her mother moved to San Antonio to help take care of her grandchildren just two weeks before she was killed.
“The day that the accident happened was the day I found out I was having a little girl,” she said. “I had just seen my mom earlier that day and told her it was a girl. She was so excited! My sister had a boy and named him after my late father. So, when my daughter was born, I named her after my mom. She looks just like her (grandmother).”
The pain doesn't dissipate but Teriane says she is trying to be strong for her children.
“For her not to be here physically and to not be able to call and tell her ‘Happy Birthday’ hurts the most,” Teriane said.
She has an attorney and says she plans to take legal action against SAPD.