Suspect in murder of woman at South Side taco stand arrested after nearly month-long search

Roland Contreras Jr., 32, has been taken into custody

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio police say they have arrested a man who shot and killed a woman at a taco stand and was the suspect of a standoff with officers at his home on the city’s South Side in early April.

Roland Contreras Jr., 32, was taken into police custody.

On April 6, around 9:30 p.m. Gabriele Campos Del Angel, 33, was shot and killed in the parking lot of a food truck in the 1800 block of Southwest Military Drive, near Commercial Avenue. Police say she was not the intended target.

An arrest affidavit states Campos Del Angel and her estranged husband were getting food at a taco stand when Contreras allegedly brandished a gun and yelled at the husband. That’s when, police say, the husband saw Contreras and ran back to his vehicle, while being chased.

The police report states the man got into his Jeep and reversed, hitting a parked car while attempting to drive off. He then saw Contreras raise the gun and fire, hitting a side window and striking Campos Del Angel in the chest, police said.

SAPD said the man drove to a nearby gas station, where he called for help. Gabriele was later pronounced dead at the scene. Her estranged husband was able to identify Contreras to officers, stating that he knew Contreras because of an ex-girlfriend.

Authorities say Contreras fled back home, where a SWAT team and other officers tried to communicate with him, including by loudspeaker. They spoke with his grandmother who confirmed he lived at the home and was in possession of her vehicle.

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus on that day said officers had visual confirmation early on in the standoff that Contreras was in the home, although there was no communication with him.

About 30 minutes later, police tossed tear gas into the home, but after a thorough search of the residence, Contreras was nowhere to be found.

On Thursday, police said a covert response unit finally was able to locate Contreras and took him into custody without further incident. Contreras was booked on an active murder warrant.

His bond is set at $200,000.


About the Author

Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.

Recommended Videos