SAN ANTONIO – A man who shot and killed an alleged car burglar outside a North Side restaurant Monday night is now considered a criminal suspect, himself.
San Antonio police arrested Victor Ricondo, 47, on a charge of murder.
Ricondo told investigators he shot and killed Anthony Rangel, 39, after he broke into his van outside Texas Land & Cattle Steak House, near Loop 410 and McCullough.
Officers at the scene said Ricondo told them he had been a burglary victim before and was protecting his property.
Homicide investigators, however, decided Ricondo crossed the line.
Officer Douglas Greene, a public information officer for the San Antonio Police Department, said police reviewed surveillance video, which showed Ricondo had no need to use deadly force.
“There was no imminent threat," Greene said. "If the individual was continuing to try to get into his vehicle, was trying to harm Mr. Ricondo, then he may have just cause. "
Instead, investigators said it appears Rangel was trying to get away at the time when he was shot.
Greene said if Rangel had plans to burglarize Ricondo’s van, he apparently changed his mind.
"To our knowledge, he did not steal anything. He did make contact with the owner and was trying to flee the location,” Greene said.
A preliminary police report said it appears Ricondo was “lying in wait,” planning to strike back against someone.
The report said that he is seen on video, driving into the parking lot, getting out of his van and walking to the passenger’s side, then climbing into the back section of the van.
Rangel then drove up, opened the van door, but quickly ran away, the report said.
It said Ricondo is seen in the video, firing at Rangel as he tried to drive away.
Police said although Texas law does allow for the use of deadly force to protect property in some cases, it was not the appropriate response in this situation.
Ricondo was booked into jail Tuesday with bond set at $150,000.
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