SAN ANTONIO — An off-duty Bexar County Sheriff's deputy was struck by a driver while working as a crossing guard in northwest San Antonio, police say.
It happened around 7:30 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic School on Wurzbach Road near Vance Jackson Road.
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) shared this photo of the silver Ford Escape SUV with KENS 5 in hopes the public can help them track down the driver.
“The deputy at some point went up over the hood,” said Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar. “We’ve actually got some pretty dramatic [dashcam] video. You can see the Ford Escape cruise through the frame with the deputy on the roof -- like holding onto the roof.”
Investigators say a parent pulled out of the school’s parking lot and blocked the SUV, forcing it to stop. The crossing guard then rolled off. Witnesses told KENS 5 a group of parents rushed to help the injured deputy as the SUV sped away.
The deputy, who is a 22-year veteran with BCSO, was taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries. Officials said he sustained injuries to his head and a broken foot.
Josette Burns, who lives in the area, said when she learned about the accident, she feared the driver was on the run.
“I was real quick to lock the doors," said Burns. "I pray they do catch the guy."
According to BCSO, deputies located the SUV at an apartment complex just a few miles from St. Matthew Catholic School, but the suspect was already gone.
“Directing traffic or working traffic accidents; those are some of the riskiest times [for deputies] because drivers are either distracted or not paying attention at those speeds,” said Bart Vasquez, the Executive Director of The 100 Club of San Antonio.
The local nonprofit reached out to BCSO and offered financial support as the deputy is expected to be off work.
“We’re here to let first responders know the public is behind you, the community is behind you 100%,” Vasquez said.
If you know where the suspect is, please call the Bexar County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 210-335-6000 or email BCSOTIPS@bexar.org.
To help the deputy and other law enforcement officers injured or killed on the job, click HERE.
KENS 5 reached out to St. Mathew Catholic School for comment and they referred all inquiries to BCSO.