A veteran officer with the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) tragically lost his life on Tuesday morning in what officials are describing as an accidental shooting. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. in the 1600 block of Fitch Street, near West Southcross Boulevard, at the former Columbia Heights Elementary School site. SAPD Chief William McManus addressed the media at the scene, providing details.
The officer, whose name has not been released, arrived at the school to participate in Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT), a state-mandated program for law enforcement officers in Texas. While retrieving his belongings to bring inside the facility, the officer’s pistol accidentally discharged. Another officer arriving for the same training session found him lying beside his pickup truck. Despite being immediately transported to University Hospital, the officer was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The fallen officer was a 30-year veteran of law enforcement and was nearing retirement. Chief McManus spoke highly of him, reflecting on his dedication to the force and his positive demeanor. “He was a good officer, always up, always joking. He never seemed to have a care in the world, and then this happened,” McManus said. “This is a sad day for SAPD.”
The ALERRT training session, required by the state of Texas, was being conducted at the former Columbia Heights Elementary School building, which had been repurposed for training activities. In 2023, the Harlandale Independent School District (ISD) voted to close the school due to low enrollment. In response to the incident, Harlandale ISD issued a statement clarifying that no students were present at the time of the tragedy. “We want to emphasize that no Harlandale ISD students are present at the Columbia Heights Center, as the facility is used for training activities,” the statement read.
The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances leading to the accidental discharge. The SAPD and the San Antonio community are mourning the loss of a respected and experienced officer whose life was tragically cut short. This veteran officer's untimely death has left a significant impact on his colleagues and the community he served. As the investigation continues, SAPD and local officials are focused on providing support to the officer’s family and ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future.
