SAPD officer killed in far North Bexar head-on crash ID'd

2 children airlifted to University Hospital in serious condition

SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio police officer killed in a head-on crash in far North Bexar County on Friday has been identified, officials said.

Officer Paul Rios, 41, was killed around 11:30 a.m. when his SUV was struck head-on by a Ford F-250 pickup truck near the intersection of Borgfeld and Bulverde roads.

Rios was off-duty and driving two of his children in his personal SUV when they were struck. The children were injured in the crash, officials said, and taken to University Hospital by medical helicopter in serious condition.

The driver of the pickup truck was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Investigators are looking into who may have been at fault and are looking for passengers from the pickup who may have fled from the scene.

Rios' death hit the department hard, said Police Chief Anthony Trevino.

"We understand the job as a police officer and know it's got its inherent dangers, but when it happens in this type of incident, when it's off-duty, it's kind of a little bit more of a shock to the senses," Trevino said.

Rios was a six-year veteran of the force, working at the South Patrol substation.

SAPD spokesman Sgt. Javier Salazar said he is survived by his wife and four children.

"Obviously this is a very tough situation for everyone involved and our hearts go out to the family and the officers who work alongside this gentleman who lost his life today," Bexar County sheriff's spokesman James Keith said.

Below is a picture of Rios courtesy of SAPD.