SAN ANTONIO – The chief of police in Elmendorf is dead and a suspect behind bars after a violent confrontation.
Michael Pimentel died Saturday after being shot at least twice by a man he had stopped while on duty on South First Avenue and East Ninth Street.
According to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, Pimentel and the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Joshua Manuel Lopez, got into a confrontation after the traffic stop around 11:30 a.m.
"You know, on even a quiet, peaceful day in South Texas in a small town, it can turn deadly in an instance and it re-enforces the dangers our law enforcement officers face every single day," said Bexar County Sheriff Susan Pamerleau.
Pimentel suffered gunshot wounds to his stomach and shoulder during the confrontation.
The sheriff's office says Pimentel died at University Hospital where an AirLife helicopter flew him for treatment.
Pamerleau said the sheriff's office will take over the investigation.
"We have taken responsibility for this continued investigation. It's a very small agency, the chief and a few other officers, and we have the investigative capabilities to investigate this," said Pamerleau.
Authorities say Lopez had an outstanding warrant for graffiti at the time, and will now be charged with capital murder for Pimentel's death.
Both the sheriff's office and the San Antonio Police Department have offered their assistance to the small police department in Elmendorf and the community.