Two San Antonio police officers were shot and seriously wounded while trying to intervene in a domestic dispute involving arson threats, according to authorities. The incident occurred on Thursday evening when the officers responded to a disturbance call on the city’s northeast side. They are currently undergoing surgery, and their conditions remain unknown.
During a news conference, Police Chief William McManus explained that a man had arrived at the home to retrieve his children and got into an argument with his wife. The situation escalated when the man threatened to set the house on fire and began pouring gasoline. Fortunately, the woman and children were unharmed.
Upon the officers’ arrival, the suspect went upstairs and opened fire on them through a window with a long gun. One officer was shot three times and collapsed, while the other was hit by a bullet but managed to find cover behind a nearby parked car. The second officer then engaged in a gunfight with the suspect.
Additional police units arrived at the scene and safely evacuated the wounded officers. Eventually, the suspect surrendered after coming outside. Authorities have not released the suspect’s name at this time.
Chief McManus emphasized the dangerous nature of such volatile and emotionally charged calls. He expressed relief that the officers were not killed, describing them as “very, very lucky.” One officer has been with the department for seven years, while the other has two years of service.
The incident highlights the risks that law enforcement officers face daily while responding to domestic disputes. This event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and potentially life-threatening situations they encounter in the line of duty.
The San Antonio Police Department will continue to investigate the incident and provide updates on the condition of the injured officers.
