SAN ANTONIO – An officer with the San Antonio Police Department opened fire on a murder suspect who police officials said was driving toward the officer with a stolen pickup truck.
The suspect, a 32-year-old man, was not wounded by the gunfire, police said. An officer who was dragged by the vehicle suffered a leg injury.
The man was wanted for the fatal shooting of his father in the 4100 block of South Presa at 11:30 p.m. Friday, police said. A couple of hours later, officers with the San Police Department Gang Unit spotted the pickup officials said was at the scene of the shooting.
"The gang unit officers were able to observe the suspect. They got behind him and started following him. At some point, the suspect realized he was being followed and fled at a high rate of speed," said Sgt. Javier Salazar.
The man then led police on a chase before he crashed at Interstate 10 and FM 1516, police said.
The pickup landed on its side on a steep incline with the suspect still inside. As an officer was approaching the vehicle, the incline and gravity suddenly caused the vehicle to right itself, police said. That's when the man drove straight for the officer, who fired several shots at the pickup, police said. The suspect drove a short distance before his vehicle became disabled.
Seconds later, the man led officers on a foot chase until he stole another vehicle and led police on another vehicle chase, police said. The man drove to a home in the 4100 block Of Sunrise Crest, where he entered the residence, police said. Officers entered the home and subdued the suspect, who was eventually arrested.
The suspect faces the murder charge and several felony charges in connection with the pursuit and his violent actions toward officers, police said.
Police found a handgun in the pickup truck that may have been the weapon used in the fatal shooting.