SAN ANTONIO — It was a few minutes before 10 p.m. when gunfire shattered the peace at Haven For Hope, a downtown shelter for the homeless.
When the shooting stopped, three people were wounded.
A statement from the shelter confirms two of their Life Safety Officers were wounded, as well as a man who had been causing a disturbance at the intake area of the facility.
The preliminary report from San Antonio Police indicates a 25-year-old man was trying to gain access to the facility, and when that failed, he started beating on the doors.
Police say when the shelter guards tried to detain the man, the suspect started a physical fight and was able to disarm and shoot a 32-year-old female guard.
A 23-year-old male guard then returned fire, hitting the suspect multiple times, according to police.
Police say shrapnel from one of those shots ricocheted and injured the male guard. All of the victims went to local hospitals in stable condition, according to police.
One of the guards was treated and released, according to Haven for Hope, although they declined to provide the names of those injured.
Police said the man who caused the disturbance will be facing aggravated assault on a security officer charges.
Still hospitalized at midday Wednesday, that man has not yet been formally charged, so his name has not been made available.
Celeste Eggert is the Chief Development Officer for Haven for Hope. She provided the following statement in response to the incident:
"On Tuesday evening two of our Life Safety Officers responded to an individual who was agitated in front of the Intake building outside of our secure campus. As the suspect reached for one of their weapons, the extensive training and experience of the officers kicked in and they were able to contain the situation quickly. However, during the altercation both of our officers and the suspect sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Our Life Safety Officers immediately provided medical attention to the suspect. We are incredibly proud of the bravery and heroism of our Life Safety Officers who put the safety of our clients and staff above all else as they do each and every day. We want to thank SAPD for their quick response and their show of force coming to the aid of our Life Safety Officers. We are grateful to report that one of our officers was treated and released. We ask for your prayers for both that officer, the officer still hospitalized who is recovering and for all of the Life Safety Officers who provide our campus with security and safety every day. We appreciate the outpouring of support from our community."