SAN ANTONIO — An unidentified man is dead after San Antonio police officials say he pointed a gun and may have fired in the direction of an officer, who responded by firing at least one fatal shot on the north side Tuesday afternoon.
The incident represents the 20th shooting involving San Antonio police so far this year. There were 27 such incidents all of last year.
Authorities responded to the 8500 block of Jones Maltsberger Road, near North Star Mall, around 3:20 p.m. SAPD Chief William McManus said police attempted "a pedestrian stop" in the area when the suspect, estimated to be in his late 20s or early 30s, ran from officers into a nearby drainage ditch.
Police pursued the man, who allegedly pointed a semi-automatic handgun at an officer. McManus says he continued to flee from police and again pointed his weapon at him.
"Turned around again, and it appears he fired a shot at the officer," McManus said, adding that his information was preliminary and could change as the investigation continues. "The officer returned fire and he is deceased in the drainage ditch."
It's unknown exactly how many times the officer shot at the man, who was hit in the "very upper extremity of his body." Asked why police wanted to stop him, McManus said he was told the man was "a pedestrian in the roadway."
The officer, who McManus said has about four years of service with SAPD, was not injured. He has not been identified as of yet.