A harrowing shootout on San Antonio’s Far North Side Wednesday night has left the community in shock and mourning. The incident, which unfolded at the Sonterra Heights apartment complex off Stone Oak Parkway near North Loop 1604 East, resulted in the death of 46-year-old suspect Brandon Scott Poulos and injuries to seven San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) officers.
The events began shortly before 9 p.m. when officers responded to a report of gunfire inside the apartment complex. According to a woman at the scene, Poulos was shooting inside one of the apartments. As officers arrived, Poulos emerged from the apartment and immediately opened fire, striking one officer in the leg.
Resident Joseph Loredo, who lives in the complex, described hearing gunfire and rushing outside, only to see an officer wounded on the ground. “When I went outside, I saw one of SAPD officers had been shot,” Loredo recounted. “It looked like a leg wound because they were putting a tourniquet on him and then they dragged him away.”
As more officers attempted to approach the apartment, Poulos continued firing, injuring six additional officers with either direct gunfire or shrapnel. Emergency responders quickly transported the injured officers to nearby hospitals or treated them at the scene. Video footage captured by Loredo showed the intense exchange of gunfire, with police returning fire as they worked to secure the area.
In response to the escalating danger, additional San Antonio Police officers, Bexar County Sheriff’s deputies, and the SWAT team arrived at the scene. SWAT surrounded the first-floor apartment where Poulos had barricaded himself. Residents of nearby buildings were evacuated, while those unable to leave were instructed to remain indoors for their safety. Loredo, whose building was in the crossfire, described how Poulos had a “good vantage point” from his position, creating a perilous situation for residents and law enforcement alike.
The standoff continued into the early hours of Thursday morning, with police negotiating in an attempt to resolve the situation peacefully. Around 2:45 a.m., after several hours, SWAT officers entered the apartment and discovered Poulos dead in a bedroom from a gunshot wound. Authorities have not yet determined whether Poulos was shot by officers or if the wound was self-inflicted.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus provided additional context about Poulos’ history, revealing that he was arrested on January 18 for a violation of a protection order, three assault charges, and driving while intoxicated. Poulos had been released on bond at the time of the deadly incident.
As of Thursday morning, six of the seven injured officers have been discharged from the hospital and are recovering at home. The seventh officer remains hospitalized but is expected to make a full recovery. The officers involved in the incident have between four and eight years of service, and their dedication and bravery during the ordeal have been widely praised by the department and community.
This tragic event underscores the immense risks faced by law enforcement officers every day. Chief McManus commended the officers for their professionalism and courage during the volatile situation, while expressing relief that all injured officers are on the path to recovery.
The community is now grappling with the aftermath of this violent incident, reflecting on the devastating toll it has taken. Residents of the apartment complex, many of whom were caught in the middle of the chaos, are left shaken but grateful for the swift response from law enforcement.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about the circumstances leading up to the shooting and Poulos’ actions that night. The incident has also sparked discussions about the challenges of dealing with individuals with a history of violent behavior and the importance of protecting law enforcement officers in high-risk situations.
For now, the focus is on supporting the injured officers and ensuring the safety of the community. The city of San Antonio stands united in gratitude for the bravery of its law enforcement and in mourning for the lives disrupted by this tragic event.
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