Skip to main content
Clear icon
66º

Texas DPS trooper defends actions in fatal Converse shooting in wrongful death suit

Trooper claims fatal shooting was justified, family disputes claims

SAN ANTONIO – The Texas DPS trooper who fatally shot a man in Converse in April is defending his actions in response to a wrongful death lawsuit.

Attorneys for Trooper Apolonio Gomez filed a response in federal court, asserting that the shooting of Luis Navarro was justified, claiming Navarro aggressively advanced on him and never surrendered. However, Navarro’s family disputes this. A video from a witness shows Navarro holding a T-shirt with his hands up.

Gomez has not been charged, and both DPS and the Texas Attorney General’s office declined to comment due to ongoing litigation.

In a prior incident, Gomez was suspended for a March 2023 pursuit that crossed into Mexico, violating multiple DPS policies.

During the chase, Gomez followed a suspect across the U.S.-Mexico border with his firearm drawn, prompting diplomatic concerns.

An investigation revealed Gomez may have suffered from “tunnel vision” during the pursuit, according to DPS records. He was suspended for 10 days without pay.

The wrongful death lawsuit will continue in federal court.

Read more reporting on the KSAT Investigates page.


About the Author
Daniela Ibarra headshot

Daniela Ibarra joined the KSAT News team in July 2023. This isn’t her first time in the KSAT newsroom– the San Antonio native spent the summer of 2017 as an intern. Daniela is a proud Mean Green alum, earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Texas.

Recommended Videos