SAN ANTONIO — A tragic accident took the life of a San Antonio police officer on Tuesday.
William Kasberg was killed right before an active shooter training around 9:30 a.m., according to Police Chief William McManus. He is being remembered as always being ready and available to help anyone.
"This is a sad day for SAPD," McManus said Tuesday afternoon from the scene.
Kasberg, a 30-year veteran of the San Antonio Police Department, has been recognized for his work with SAPD's DWI Unit. He has been honored by organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Natalie Paulus, the regional director of victim services with MADD, has worked with Kasberg and said she was in "absolute shock and disbelief."
"It is just such as an unbelievable tragedy," Paulus said.
The chief said somehow the longtime officer was shot by his own pistol at the old Columbia Heights Elementary located in the 1600 block of Fitch Street on the south side. Educational operations at the site ceased last year.
According to Harlandale ISD, the facility is now used for training activities. Kasberg was there for a state-mandated training called Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training, or ALERRT.
McManus said that when the officer was gathering his things, his pistol somehow discharged, and he was struck by the bullet. He said another officer heard the commotion and found Kasberg on the ground.
The officer was rushed to University Hospital, where he died.
McManus said they're investigating what exactly happened. He added that Kasberg was set to retire soon from the department. The president of the San Antonio Police Officer's Association said their focus right now is the officer's family.
'God almighty, somebody got shot!'
When the site of Columbia was an operating school, its motto was "Home of the Braves." Some neighbors said it's infinitely sad a public servant lost his life there.
David, one of those neighbors who lives near the site of the old school where the fatal shot rang out, was leaning over his fence straining to hear what McManus was saying during the police chief's briefing Tuesday.
After seeing the massive police presence and wondering what could possible be wrong, he was shocked to hear about the heartbreaking loss.
"God almighty, somebody got shot!" David exclaimed.
The feeling was universal.
"It shouldn't have happened," said Maria, speaking with KENS 5 in Spanish. "That shouldn't have happened. It's sad that an individual lost their life."
People say this south-side area is a legacy community of longtime neighbors who take care of elders. They say they hope the tragedy won't be repeated.
"We are a very close-knit community and we are praying for the family, for his loved ones," said Frances Rodriguez, who calls herself a prayer warrior and drives around town listening to meditative music, praying for everyone who lives along the blocks she commutes by.
The area is an intersection of faith and south-side family pride, where connections matter and neighbors promised Kasberg's family they won't be alone in their grief.
"The community will be there to pray for them to help them, to help them know they're not alone," Rodriguez said.
Paulus last worked with Kasberg in September for the fundraiser Walk Like MADD in San Antonio.
"He was always willing to go above and beyond for us, regardless of what it is," she said.
She said Kasberg did a lot of work with the organization that is working to end drunk driving. He was part of the honor guard at that event.
"He really is such a supporter of our efforts at MADD and overall just a fantastic human," she said.
KENS 5 spoke with Kasberg in 2023 regarding the dangers of drinking and driving right before the holidays.
"Drinking and driving is one of the most avoidable arrests you can possibly do," he said at the time.
The chief remembered Kasberg as a good officer, saying he was "a good officer, always up, always joking."