News Summary
San Antonio is on high alert as a manhunt continues for Joseph Olivarri, who became a fugitive after tampering with his ankle monitor following a brawl and shooting downtown. With a lengthy criminal history and facing new charges, authorities express concern for public safety. Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to Olivarri’s capture. The district attorney assures that he will be held without bond upon recapture and emphasizes the possibility of reopening a prior murder case against him.
San Antonio Sees Manhunt Following Brawl and Ankle Monitor Tampering
San Antonio is on high alert as law enforcement officials continue the search for Joseph Olivarri, a 38-year-old man who has become a fugitive following a wild shooting incident in the downtown area. On February 16, things took a dangerous turn when Olivarri allegedly fired shots outside bars located off North Alamo Street during a fierce brawl.
What Happened During the Incident?
As details emerge, it appears that Olivarri was involved in a severe altercation that escalated to gunfire. Authorities swiftly charged him with discharging a firearm in certain municipalities along with unlawful carrying of a weapon, primarily because of his prior felony conviction. His criminal record spans over two decades, marking him as a convicted felon, raising concerns about public safety.
An Unexpected Release
Just a day after his initial arrest, Olivarri secured a release on a $70,000 bond set by a magistrate judge, a recommendation made by the Bexar County District Attorney. While this bond may seem hefty, it’s significantly high compared to typical cases involving individuals with no extensive criminal backgrounds, usually averaging between $20,000 and $25,000.
The Plot Thickens
However, after just two days of freedom, Olivarri shocked authorities by cutting off his ankle monitor and disappearing into thin air, thus becoming a fugitive. Not only is he wanted for the shooting, but he’s also facing allegations of violating parole due to being found with a prohibited substance while in jail.
A Call for Assistance
In light of the latest developments, Crime Stoppers is stepping in to help capture Olivarri by offering a reward of up to $5,000 for any information leading to his whereabouts. This appeal for assistance aims to reunite Olivarri with law enforcement before he can evade capture any longer.
The District Attorney Speaks
In a statement, the district attorney expressed confidence that Olivarri will soon be back behind bars, noting that he would be held without bond when captured. Going a step further, officials are hinting at the potential for future prosecution, indicating a determination to vigorously pursue the case against him.
A Troubled Past
This isn’t Olivarri’s first brush with the law, as he was previously arrested in March 2024 for a murder case that involved him shooting 37-year-old Joshua Cuellar during an argument outside a sports bar. The investigation into that case included multiple tips received through Crime Stoppers, along with surveillance footage capturing Olivarri leaving the scene in his truck. However, in a surprising twist, the district attorney’s office had to reject the murder case in July 2024 due to insufficient evidence.
No Statute of Limitations
The remarkable aspect of the previous murder case is that it can be reopened since there is no statute of limitations on murder. This means that even though Olivarri has managed to evade prosecution for now, law enforcement is keeping a close eye on developments that could resurrect the case against him in the future.
As the manhunt continues and public concern grows, all eyes are on San Antonio as it navigates this multifaceted criminal saga. Residents hope that Olivarri will be found soon, ensuring their safety and allowing the judicial system to take a firm stand against the troubling patterns of violence.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
U.S. Marshals Launch Manhunt for Fugitive in San Antonio
Additional Resources
- KSAT: 2 injured in South Side shooting
- Wikipedia: Shooting
- Express News: San Antonio Police Shooting
- Google Search: San Antonio shooting
- News 4 San Antonio: Officers investigated for comments on Uvalde shooting
- Google Scholar: Uvalde shooting
- KENS5: Bexar County shooting arrest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio crime
- Fox 7 Austin: Body camera footage released
- Google News: Officer involved shooting San Antonio
