SAN ANTONIO — A veteran San Antonio police sergeant speaking at the scene of a shooting Friday afternoon said keeping track of serial numbers and reporting when firearms are stolen is the best thing gun owners can do to help prevent them from falling into the hands of would-be criminals.
While the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) hasn't definitively said if the gun apparently used to shoot a homeless man in the area of Vance Jackson and Fredericksburg was stolen, the SAPD representative, who identified herself as Sgt. C. Gagnon, said she's learned in 14 years with the agency that "it's very easy for the criminal element to access firearms."
"I worked on a robbery unit for several years, did lots of warrants of Facebook pages, and was shocked at the number of firearms being bought and sold under the table through apps," she said. "It's very troubling."
Police have yet to find the gun Gagnon said was used to shoot a 39-year-old man after he returned to a homeless camp but have detained a 40-year-old for questioning. The unidentified victim was taken to University Hospital with injuries that aren't believed to be life-threatening.
The suspect left the scene and air support was called in to search for him, Gagnon said. An officer traveling along Vance Jackson found a man matching his description and "like a hero, jumped out and grabbed this guy" right away. Police are unsure as of now if he's the gunman.
Gagnon said she's found it's common for guns to be sold through illegal channels after they've been stolen.
"I would recommend to the public: Keep track of your serial numbers, because that's the only way, when we have these people with stolen guns, that we'll known it's stolen is if you report the serial number," she said.
She also recommended that gun owners don't keep firearms in their cars, as vehicle burglary is the main way others are able to take them. SAPD said earlier this year that more than 3,100 firearms were stolen from vehicles last year alone in San Antonio, most prominently on the north and northwest sides.
According to law enforcement, it takes just 15 seconds for thieves to break into vehicles and steal unsecured, which is why they emphasized the importance of investing in a safe.
"I will tell you that about six years ago I made the investment. A good gun safe will cost you probably about double of what the average handgun will go for at a gun shop," said Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales in January. "My gun safe is bolted to my truck. Nobody is going to open that gun safe quickly."
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