SAN ANTONIO — One of the suspects who local authorities say was involved in the shooting of a Balcones Heights Police sergeant on Wednesday is now in custody in Bexar County.
30-year-old Sijifredo Montemayor was taken into custody Thursday in the north Mexico state of Tamaulipas, Sheriff Javier Salazar said.
On Friday, Montemayor was brought to the U.S. border in Laredo, where he voluntarily agreed to be sent back to the United States. He then was transported to San Antonio by the U.S. Marshals Service's Lone Star Fugitive Task Force. He was walked into the Bexar County Jail late Friday afternoon.
“We understand it was a series of family members that helped him in his escape,” Salazar said, adding that his capture was a coordinated effort between Mexican police, U.S. marshals and Laredo-area authorities.
"It is being termed a self-surrender," the sheriff said. "He agreed voluntarily to come back to the United States."
Montemayor allegedly drove the vehicle from which 27-year-old Wilfredo Montemayor shot Joey Sepulveda at “point-blank” range on Wednesday. Authorities said Sijifredo was injured when another police officer returned fire, before the suspects drove off.
While walking into the Bexar County Jail two days later, Sijifredo, speaking in Spanish, said he regretted what happened to the officer, adding he would pray for him. He also said he came back for his family.
"I love my family," he said. "All day, every day."
Salazar said authorities believe that Wilifredo Montemayor is still in the San Antonio area and that he’s “armed and dangerous.”
The sheriff on Friday went on to warn the community that anyone who assists Montemayor in evading capture is risking a charge of harboring a fugitive.
The sheriff urged anyone with information to call the Bexar County Sheriff's Office at 210-335-6000 or CrimeStoppers at 210-224-STOP. A reward of up to $5,000 is available for information leading to an arrest in this case.
Meanwhile, Sepulveda had emergency surgery Wednesday after the shooting. Authorities believe he will recover. On Friday, the sheriff said the veteran officer was able to communicate with his family by writing notes.
