Woman Hospitalized After Police Shooting in San Antonio

Woman Shot by Police After Waving Gun in San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO — In a tense situation that unfolded on Thursday evening, a woman was hospitalized after an encounter with police that left her with a gunshot wound. The incident occurred around 5:30 PM near the intersection of Babcock and Roanoke Run, close to the CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital. According to Police Chief William McManus, the woman pointed a gun at officers, prompting one of them to discharge their weapon.

What Happened?

Officers arrived on the scene after receiving reports about a suspicious individual who was “walking up and down the block, waving a gun around.” Upon their arrival, the situation took a dangerous turn. McManus explained, “She turned, waved the gun, pointed it,” which led to one of the police officers firing a single round, hitting the woman in the abdomen. Fortunately, none of the officers were injured during the altercation.

Status of the Woman

The woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, is believed to have been in her 40s and has a criminal history. Following the shooting, she was rushed to the hospital, where she underwent surgery. As of now, there has been no update on her condition, but authorities are monitoring the situation closely.

Details Surrounding the Officer Involved

The officer who fired the shot is relatively new, having served with the San Antonio Police Department for less than a year. It is important to note that it is not believed the woman fired her weapon during this incident, which adds an additional level of complexity to the case.

Body Camera Footage and Investigation

In a twist that’s drawing public attention, Chief McManus mentioned that the body camera system for the police department had “been down for a while” earlier that very day. Whether the cameras were operational at the time of the shooting is still unknown. However, there are protocols in place that require the release of body camera footage when officers discharge their weapons and someone is injured. This footage must be made available within 30 days of the incident, giving the public an opportunity to understand the details firsthand.

Safety Measures and Community Response

Interestingly, despite the alarming nature of the situation, the nearby hospital was not placed on lockdown during or after the incident. Community safety remains a top priority for local law enforcement, and the department has assured residents that they are working diligently to assess and respond to incidents such as this.

Continuing Developments

This occurrence marks the 16th shooting involving San Antonio police in 2023, indicating a concerning trend that has law enforcement officials and the community taking a hard look at safety protocols and public interactions. As the investigation unfolds, residents are reminded to stay tuned for updates and to maintain open lines of communication with local authorities.

In moments like these, understanding the complexities of law enforcement practices and community safety is more important than ever. Officers are expected to act quickly and decisively in dangerous situations, and while not every outcome can be predicted, continued dialogue and transparency help foster a safer environment for everyone.