Teen arrested after stealing pizza delivery driver’s vehicle at gunpoint, leading officers on chase, police say
A juvenile male has been arrested after he stole a pizza delivery driver’s vehicle at gunpoint and led Universal City police officers on a chase Thursday evening, according to San Antonio police.
Universal City approves development for land
What amounts to the last of the large tracts of land for housing in Universal City is about to be developed, after action by city council last week. “We’ve been working with them for a couple of years to get to this point,” said Michael Cassata, Universal City development services director. “We have commercial off of Kitty Hawk in front of Capano Ridge, there’s commercial fronting Kitty Hawk, and commercial available on both sides of Loop 1604,” he added. City council action last week was an agreement with UC40 “to program economic incentives for public projects enhancements, development standards, emergency services, and correlated infrastructure” related to the development of Cibolo Crossing. The Universal City structure will be a drive-thru and walk-up coffee shop on Kitty Hawk, next to Kitty Hawk Middle School.
mysanantonio.comUniversal City teen brutally beaten and kidnapped, police say
UNIVERSAL CITY – A man has been arrested after a brutal kidnapping at an apartment complex in Universal City left a teen traumatized and neighbors too afraid to speak. The incident happened at The Colony apartment complex, located in the 300 block of Kitty Hawk Road, around 4 p.m., Feb. 25. After taking the teen to the upstairs unit, police said the suspect took a pair of pants to restrain him and robbed him of his belongings. Before freeing the teen, officials said the suspect also went through the teen’s pockets and took his apartment keys. RELATED: Woman arrested at North Side hotel, charged with aggravated kidnapping, SA police say
Universal City family mourns nurse, mother of five killed in murder-suicide
UNIVERSAL CITY, Texas – A Universal City family is mourning the devastating loss of their loved one after she was gunned down during a murder-suicide case Schertz police are currently investigating. “She was a very empathetic person,” Gonzales said. They said as they take things a day at a time, they are going to stay faithful through this time of suffering. “You think they are always going to be there and don’t think events like this is going to happen. We just have to stay strong and be there for each other as we get through this.”RELATED: Man, woman killed in apparent murder-suicide in Schertz identified
Firefighters put out ‘suspicious fire’ at dry-cleaning business in Universal City
UNIVERSAL CITY, Texas – Firefighters in Universal City had to put out a fire at a dry-cleaning business late Wednesday night, fire officials said. The fire was called in around 10:20 p.m. at the One Price Cleaners in the 2700 block of Pat Booker Road, not far from Loop 1604 and Universal City Boulevard. Fire officials said a Universal City police officer arrived first on scene and put out a majority of the fire with his fire extinguisher. Firefighters with the Universal City Fire Marshal’s office along with the Schertz Fire Department, Live Oak Fire Department and Universal City Fire Department all put out the rest of the fire and vented the building of smoke. Investigators say they are treating the fire as suspicious in nature.
Universal City police looking at possible drug connection to overnight shooting
SAN ANTONIO – Universal City police say they are looking into the possibility that drugs somehow were involved in the shooting of a woman early Thursday morning. The 20-year-old told police she drove herself to the Northeast Methodist Hospital in Live Oak after being shot at a gas station in the area. The intersection, which technically is located in Converse, is close to the boundaries of two other cities, Live Oak and Universal City. Investigators were not sure in which city the shooting happened, but Universal City police are handling the case for now. An investigator with Universal City police told KSAT 12 News he planned to question the woman more once she is out of surgery.
Police in 3 cities trying to determine where woman was shot
LIVE OAK, Texas – Police in three different cities are trying to determine where a woman was shot early Thursday morning. Live Oak police say the woman initially called 911 around 3:30 a.m. from the area near Toepperwein and Kitty Hawk roads. Police say the victim told them she is not from the area, so she was not able to offer any street names for the location where she was shot. She told officers after calling 911, she flagged down another driver who then helped lead her to the hospital. Police say they were able to get only limited information from her before she underwent treatment at the hospital.
Celebrities react to the death of ‘Saved by the Bell’ actor Dustin Diamond
Dustin Diamond visits "Extra" at Universal Studios Hollywood on May 16, 2016 in Universal City, California. Many of Diamond’s co-stars from the hit series have responded with condolences on social media after the news hit, and other celebrities who admired his work as the lovable geek Screech chimed in, too. Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dustin Diamond, a true comedic genius. Looking back at our time working together, I will miss those raw, brilliant sparks that only he was able to produce. pic.twitter.com/YqiU3iB3VR — Wendy Williams (@WendyWilliams) February 1, 2021Dustin Diamond you really were a diamond who gave the world one of the most lovable tv characters .. thank you for making my childhood a little more funnier.. rest now.
Oops. Texas DPS issued AMBER Alert for cursed ‘Chucky’ doll by mistake
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA - SEPTEMBER 15: Chucky attends Halloween Horror Nights Opening Night at Universal Studios Hollywood on September 15, 2017 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Universal Studios Hollywood)SAN ANTONIO – The Texas Department of Public Safety sent out an AMBER Alert Friday for a rather disturbing pair of dolls - Glen Ray and Chucky from the “Child’s Play” horror films. KSAT reached out to DPS officials who said the IT department was testing something and that the AMBER Alert was issued accidentally. In case you’re unfamiliar, an AMBER Alert is sent for children and teens aged 17 and younger who have disappeared and there is a credible threat to the child’s safety. For a more detailed description of what criteria need to be met for an AMBER Alert to be issued, click here.
Car shop manager urges public to ‘keep your eyes open’ after recent catalytic converter thefts
But Acosta says his business is not the only one affected by the thefts. Acosta says those companies should have a protocol to ensure that stolen parts are not being sold to them. The Universal City Police Department says they have had two reports of similar thefts last week from an apartment complex parking lot. “So, if everybody kind of works together, we can probably kind of weed them out.”The Kerrville Police Department reported five similar reports of catalytic converter thefts in the last two weeks. Acosta says from his experience Chevy Trucks, Ford Explorers, Ford Escapes and diesel trucks are the easiest targets.
New small business, holistic center in Universal City honors Air Force veteran who died from breast cancer
UNIVERSAL CITY – A family in Universal City is carrying on the legacy of spiritual healing to honor their late daughter, Tabatha Dexter. “The store is in honor of our daughter Tabatha that passed away in August of 2019 of breast cancer,” Robert said. Tabatha, an Air Force veteran and Norse Shaman, battled with breast cancer twice. Her belief in the power of feathers and natural healing helped Tabatha in her battle with breast cancer. Red Feather Healing is located at 2041 Universal City Blvd, Universal City, and is open seven days a week.
Foster home request pulled from Universal City agenda
A vacant building on West Byrd Boulevard in Universal City will remain that way after an organization proposing a residential treatment center for foster children pulled its application for a special use permit. But Kim Turner, Universal City city manager, said this effort came from an entirely different approach. The agency appeared in Universal City documents and paperwork as “Group Foster” without an assigned name or site moniker. “The state doesn’t allow for a group foster care organization to actually formulate until they have nailed down their location. When the state gives a license for a group foster care program, it is only for one specific address,” she said.
mysanantonio.comSipIt Daiquiris To-Go to open second drive-thru location on San Antonio’s far West Side
click image Facebook / Sipit CulebraA year after opening its flagship location in Universal City, drive-through drink business SipIt Daiquiris To-Go is poised to open a second location on the far West Side.The new shop, located at the intersection of Culebra and Lone Star Parkway, is slated to open early next month, according to the Black-owned business' Facebook page.San Antonio-based SipIt serves up 20 or so varieties of frozen daiquiris, which it bills as being derived from 100% natural ingredients, including strawberries, mangos and oranges. In addition to its namesake drink, the shop also serves up alcoholic Jello shots and popsicles.We're also guessing the drive thru-option is proving popular during the pandemic, since customers can pick up sealed adult beverages in 20-ounce, 32-ounce and half-gallon sizes without ever leaving their cars.
sacurrent.comMotorcyclist killed in crash on San Antonio’s Northeast Side identified by authorities
SAN ANTONIO – A Universal City man who died after crashing his motorcycle on Saturday has been identified by authorities. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office said Zachariah Gentry, 31, died of blunt force injuries he suffered in the crash that happened just after 11:30 a.m. in the 5300 block of Walzem Road. Before the crash, police said the motorcyclist was traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed and weaving in and out of traffic. He tried to pass a vehicle on the right side, but the vehicle turned right into a private driveway. Gentry, who was not wearing a helmet, died at the scene, police said.
Cibolo officials discuss renovations costs of city hall annex
That’s the message city administration and project architects and construction management firms laid out for Cibolo City Council at its Dec. 8 meeting. Construction costs were advertised as $1.28 million, with another $130,000 set aside for parking lot improvements and exterior recoating. That amount is $103,000 short of satisfying construction costs for the pared-down option A, and more than $350,000 short of meeting the costs associated with option B. Councilwoman Jennifer Schultes said she favored option B, with an eye cast toward the city’s exploding growth. The ‘not wasting money’ plan is plan B,” she added.
mysanantonio.comUniversal City woman dies in I-35 crash
A Universal City woman died on Interstate 35 on Saturday night after an SUV crashed into her parked car, sending her into incoming traffic, according to officials. Karla Barraza, 21, was standing in front of her Volkswagen Jetta, which was disabled in the 21500 block of the southbound side of the highway in Schertz, when a Nissan Rogue crashed into it around 10:51 p.m., Schertz police said in a statement.
mysanantonio.comA 34-year-old suspect indicted in 2007 shooting death of a Universal City man
A San Antonio man was indicted by a grand jury, 13 years after the shooting death of a 21-year-old Universal City man. Joseph Selders allegedly shot and killed Blase Wright Jr. on Feb. 2, 2007, during an attempted burglary, an arrest affidavit said. On July 20, Lara Selders told detectives Joseph Selders told her he killed Wright, the affidavit said. Jospeh Selders' case was among more than 200 felony indictments issued by Bexar County grand juries this week. According to court records, Clark shot and killed the 16-year-old girl during a shootout at a Balcones Heights apartment complex on May 3.
mysanantonio.comMan charged with murder in 2007 Universal City fatal shooting
Nearly three months after University City police cracked a 2007 cold case, the man accused of fatally shooting 21-year-old Blase Wright Jr. has been indicted on a capital murder charge. Universal City police have been investigating Wright’s death since he was gunned down in February 2007 during an apparent robbery. Blase Wright Jr., 21, was gunned down in 2007 in his Universal City apartment. (KSAT)In 2009, police discovered evidence of a separate drive-by shooting that used the same gun linked to Wright’s death. A third suspect who was also arrested in connection with Wright’s death saw his charges dismissed for the same reason.
U.C. demolishes homes in air base 'Clear Zone'
Kim Turner, Universal City city manager, explained the city’s work — the first of its kind for the city as well as nationwide. “Regardless of the location of the property, Universal City is the project manager.”The city put the project out for a bid to demolish the houses and re-establish the lots with grass. The 10 parcels are now property of the DOD “and its use is the expanded clear zone for JBSA-Randolph. All of the homes were owner-occupied in 2017 when Bexar County received $5.3 million to purchase as many properties in the Clear Zone as possible. “Hence, the East Lindbergh project has now come back full swing.”The project, she said, removes the dilapidated structures from view.
mysanantonio.com‘I’ve never seen a political campaign get this nasty’: Several campaign signs vandalized in Universal City
UNIVERSAL CITY, TEXAS – Political signs throughout Universal City were vandalized and Universal City police believe two young girls are responsible. They said all damaged signs were in support of President Trump. Police believe the two girls in the video also vandalized more signs at the Universal City Public Library. Rich Lampan was surprised when he saw what was done to his Trump sign. They have not released a motive, but if you have any information, contact Universal City police at 210-658-5353.
U.C. petition drive aims for property tax freeze
A petition circulating in Universal City seeks a property tax freeze for senior citizens and homeowners with disabilities. Petition organizer Kim Iglehart said the drive will need signatures from 5 percent of Universal City’s registered voters, which would be about 700 signatures, in order to get the property tax freeze placed on an upcoming ballot. But Universal City City Manager Kim Turner explained in an email sent to U.C. residents that a tax freeze is to the detriment of the city. The city should have little trouble in replacing the lost revenue.”Iglehart said she was motivated by a Universal City Parks and Recreation master plan for 2013-23 that asked U.C.
mysanantonio.comUniversal City police chief to retire in January
After nearly 40 years in the law enforcement field, Universal City Police Chief Gary Speer has decided to wind it down. Speer, who has been with the Universal City police department for 36 years and has been its chief since 2007, will step down on Jan. 31, 2021. That’s probably the biggest challenge we face today.”However, he said, the city is able to draw the types of officers who want to be in Universal City for all the right reasons. “Chief Speer is committed, dutiful, ethical, reliable, steadfast, and well respected,” Turner said. Universal City is blessed to have him serve in our community.”The job has been posted on the city’s website since Oct. 1 and gives no deadline for application.
mysanantonio.comRoad, park issues await Selma, UC voters
In Universal City, voters will be asked to allow the city to sell 31.5 acres of parkland near the intersection of Kitty Hawk Road and Universal City Boulevard, with sale proceeds reserved for improve parkland elsewhere in the city. Potholes, things like that,” said Johnny Casias, Selma city administrator. Normally, Selma residents flock to City Hall to cast their votes during the city’s May elections. On Election Day Nov. 3, the closest Bexar polling place will be Olympia Elementary School, 8439 Athenian Drive in Universal City. “It’s important for voters to understand, Universal City is landlocked, we only have about 10 percent of our land left for development,” she said.
mysanantonio.comUniversal City looks for ways to revitalize area outside Randolph Air Force Base
Universal City – Landlocked Universal City is taking a different approach to attract more revenue, retail and residents. City staff recently informally presented the Aviation District Master Plan to City Council and the community to reveal what their study for the area showed. The city is proposing a revitalization of Pat Booker Road just outside Randolph Airforce Base, between Aviation and National Boulevards. The area is considered to have the oldest homes in the city, and a lower economic base, with a mix of Hispanic and Caucasian residents. “There’s a lot in the air and we don’t know exactly what it’s going to look like," Voeller said.
Universal City Library offers Wifi hotspot devices for residents
Residents in the Universal City area who are in need of WiFi for work-from-home duties or for virtual learning for their children can visit the Universal City Public Library and bring home free WiFi hotspots. Through a partnership with Bexar County Bibliotech, the library has 100 WiFi hotspot devices available for checkout to library patrons for use in homes where no WiFi exists or where reception has proven troublesome. “Then schools opened virtually and that just expanded that need.”The library is in its fourth week of offering the hotspot devices. The hotspots are available to any library card holder to any library in the state of Texas. Ennis said the library will offer a library card free of charge for any patron who needs the WiFi hotspot but does not currently have a card.
mysanantonio.comCharges dismissed against man accused in 2007 Universal City fatal shooting
SAN ANTONIO – Authorities have dismissed criminal charges for one of three suspects accused in the cold case killing of Blase Wright Jr., 21, in 2007. Affidavit: Alleged triggerman in 2007 fatal shooting in Universal City arrestedA witness told investigators they saw a man get into a small gold car after the shooting that was occupied by another man and a woman. The same witness told investigators that they were contacted by Carroll before they spoke with Universal City police about the slaying. Another witness told authorities that Carroll was acting “petrified” the day following the shooting. The affidavit states Carroll told the witness that he saw Joseph Selders leaving Wright’s apartment with an Xbox, and that Joseph Selders “did some s***” the day before.
Affidavit: Alleged triggerman in 2007 fatal shooting in Universal City arrested
He, along with Lara Selders, 34, who was arrested Friday, are accused of killing Blase Wright Jr., 21, in February 2007 at his apartment. Witnesses identified Lara Selders, who was a potential person of interest in 2007 but was never interviewed, in a photo lineup, the affidavit states. According to the records, Lara Selders told authorities that Joseph Selders admitted to shooting Wright. She said she drove Joseph Selders and the other suspect to the robbery, according to the affidavit. Cold case update: Woman arrested for 2007 fatal shooting in Universal CityFollowing Lara Selders’ arrest, Wright’s family told KSAT 12 News that they were in shock.
Family waits for justice 13 years after loved ones murder following arrest made in case
Wright, who was 21 at the time of his death, was shot in the face in his Universal City apartment in February 2007. On Friday, Universal City police, with the help of the Texas Rangers, arrested 34-year old Lara Selders for capital murder. Universal City police Detective Anthony Travis said Selders was cooperative when they showed up to arrest her. Vollmer hopes this cold case arrest gives other families in waiting some hope. RELATED: DPS features unsolved Bexar County murder case
Cold case update: Woman arrested for 2007 fatal shooting in Universal City
SAN ANTONIO After more than 13 years of investigation, Universal City police and the Texas Rangers arrested a woman Friday in connection with the 2007 fatal shooting of a 21-year-old man. A witness told investigators they saw a man run into a small gold car after the shooting that was occupied by another man and a woman. Investigators identified Lara Selders as a potential person of interest in 2007, but she was never interviewed, according to her arrest affidavit. In July 2020, after speaking with the witness again, they identified Selders in a photo lineup, according to the affidavit. Investigators with the police and the Texas Rangers interviewed Selders shortly after the witness identified her, according to the affidavit.
Teen shot and killed at motel in Universal City identified
UNIVERSAL CITY – The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified a 16-year-old boy who was killed at a Universal City motel early Tuesday morning. Steven Vasquez Flores was fatally shot inside a motel room around 4:30 a.m. at the Super 8 in the 200 block of Palisades Drive, not far from Loop 1604. The Medical Examiner’s office said Flores died of a gunshot wound to the chest, and his manner of death was a homicide. Authorities said Tuesday that they have four people in custody, two of them minors who are being questioned. A motive is not currently known.
17-year-old fatally shot at motel in Universal City
UNIVERSAL CITY, Texas – Police in Universal City are investigating after a 17-year-old boy was fatally shot at a motel early Tuesday morning. Officers were called around 4:30 a.m. to a Super 8 motel in the 200 block of Palisades Drive, not far from Loop 1604 after receiving word of someone shot inside a motel room. Authorities say they have four people in custody, two of them minors who are being questioned. The name of the boy killed has not been released. The Schertz Police Department, the Live Oak Police Department and Universal City police all answered the call.
Man breaks into city building after being released, sneaks into closed courtroom, police say
Universal City – A man released by Universal City police from the city jail allegedly returned to the building and managed to sneak into a closed courtroom. Universal City Police Detective Anthony Travis said Andres Madrigal, 29, was arrested on minor warrants and released from their custody on Saturday, July 25, but made threats to officers. Surveillance video showed officers what Madrigal had allegedly been up to after he was released from their jail. Police said surveillance video shows Madrigal walking out of the building Sunday morning. Upgrades to the city’s building security system will be made, Travis said.
CDC posts long-awaited tips for minimizing everyday risk for COVID-19
These are some of the tips in long-awaited guidance from U.S. health officials about how to reduce risk of coronavirus infection for Americans who are attempting some semblance of normal life. These guidelines are really directed toward ordinary Americans trying to make decisions about risk every day.But there are notable omissions. The CDC has put out many sets of guidelines, including some for churches, camps, schools and transit agencies. They also offers a list of questions people should consider before going out, and some things to think about in particular situations. ___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education.
Universal City police ask potential victims to come forward after sexual assault arrest
Universal City police ask potential victims to come forward after sexual assault arrestPublished: May 13, 2020, 10:09 pmUniversal City police said Matthew Hill turned himself over to police Wednesday afternoon after they issued a warrant for his arrest involving allegations of aggravated sexual assault.
3 employees, friend accused of staging robbery of Universal City restaurant
UNIVERSAL CITY, Texas – Three employees, including the general manager of a Wingstop in Universal City, were arrested after they conspired to fake a robbery, police saidAccording to an arrest affidavit, Christopher Casas, general manager of the restaurant on Pat Booker Road near 1604 called police March 30, claiming he had been the victim of a robbery. Police arrested and charged Casas, another store manager, Jesus Soto Salazar, lead cook, Ludmark Etienne, and his roommate, Deaven Watson, for conspiring to stage the robbery. The group conspired to go over and break into the ATM, which was information given from the other manager that we picked up last," Travis said. Travis said the employees admitted they were paid decently by the restaurant. The restaurant manager on duty Friday, declined to comment on the arrests.
Man arrested after ‘large cache’ of explosives, bomb-making materials found at Universal City home
UNIVERSAL CITY, Texas – Joshua Conan Faleide, 41, was Wednesday after deputies discovered a “large cache” of items used for making explosive devices at his home in Universal City, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Deputies searched Faleide’s home Tuesday after the Bexar County Fire Marshal’s Office discovered a homeless woman with an IED on March 25 in the 7000 block of Whippoorwill Lane. Timers, switches and integrated circuit boards were also found and investigators believe Faleide could have used the components to arm and initiate an IED. The materials and powders found were similar to the components found in the IED the homeless woman had in her possession on March 25, according to the affidavit. Witnesses told investigators that Faleide burned his leg “about a month ago while attempting to manufacture an explosive mixture within his room."
Man arrested for possession of explosive device at motel in Universal City
UNIVERSAL CITY, Texas – A man with active felony warrants was arrested Wednesday at a motel in Universal City as part of a joint operation where an explosive device was found, the Bexar County Fire Marshal’s office said. Officers with the Universal City Police Department, among other agencies, arrested Joshua Faleide at a Super 8 motel in the 200 block of Palisades Drive. According to John Ortega, chief investigator with the Bexar County Fire Marshal’s office, the man was arrested in connection with two active felony warrants: possession of an explosive weapon, and possession of components of an explosive weapon, both third-degree felonies. Authorities searched this vehicle believed to belong to the suspect during an investigation into an explosive device at a motel in Universal City. (Misael Gomez) (KSAT)Faleide, who is in his 40s, is a known offender to both the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and Universal City Police, Ortega said.
Police Bust Man for Possession of Explosive Device at San Antonio-Area Motel
click to enlarge ShutterstockAuthorities have arrested a local man for possession of an improvised explosive device, or IED.Working with Universal City police, deputies from the office of the Bexar County Fire Marshal (BCFM) apprehended wanted fugitive Joshua Faleide at the Super 8 Motel at 200 Palisades Dr. in Universal City, county officials say.Faleide had been on the run since March 25, when Bexar fire marshals assisted China Grove with an IED found in that city's limits, according to a county press statement. After investigating the device, China Grove police and Bexar fire marshals searched Faleide's home on April 7.Investigators discovered explosive materials including a pipe bomb in the final stages of manufacture and recovered evidence they say linked the components back to the suspect, Bexar officials said.Faleide, who's in 40s, is a known offender to both the Bexar County Sheriffs Office and Universal City Police, BCFM Chief Investigator John Ortega told KSAT News . A woman was detained at the scene, but she was later released, the station also reported.Faleide was transported from the arrest scene for booking into the Bexar County Jail. He's being held on charges of possession of an explosive weapon and possible components of an explosive weapon.
sacurrent.comUniversal City business sees interest in its drive-thru daiquiris
Universal City business sees interest in its drive-thru daiquirisOwner Bernardo Baxter serves a frozen daiquiri to a customer in the drive-thru lane at SipIt Daiquiris To-Go, 1717 Pat Booker Road in Universal City, on Sunday. Owner Bernardo Baxter serves a frozen daiquiri to a customer in the drive-thru lane at SipIt Daiquiris To-Go, 1717 Pat Booker Road in Universal City, on Sunday. Photo: Marvin Pfeiffer /Staff Photographer Photo: Marvin Pfeiffer /Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Universal City business sees interest in its drive-thru daiquiris 1 / 1 Back to GalleryBernardo Baxter knows a good thing when he sees it. As co-owner of SipIt Daiquiris To-Go in Universal City, Baxter takes long looks out the front door of his fledgling business, taking in the dozens of cars lined up for his drive-through service. Cecilia, who declined to give a last name, is a resident in a nearby Universal City apartment complex.
mysanantonio.comPlanet K Forced to Close San Antonio Stores After Refusing to Comply with Coronavirus Order
Seven of those were issued to various Planet K smoke and gift shops, which refused to close its locations in San Antonio for weeks. Planet K is largely known for its sale of smoking accessories officially for tobacco, but also often used for marijuana and novelty gifts. Four more citations, which can carry a fee of up to $2,000 or jail time, for Planet K were pending as of Friday. Planet K has been continually harassed by representatives of the San Antonio Police Department and Code Enforcement. This has not occurred in any other place in Texas that Planet K operates.SAPD responded appropriately, Coyle said.
therivardreport.comSAPD: Off-duty Universal City officer shoots two teenagers after threatening to kill him
SAPD: Off-duty Universal City officer shoots two teenagers after threatening to kill himAn off-duty police officer was involved in a shootout after a group of teens threatened him during a robbery attempt Wednesday on the North Side, according to the San Antonio Police Department. The map shows ... more Photo: Google Maps Photo: Google Maps Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close SAPD: Off-duty Universal City officer shoots two teenagers after threatening to kill him 1 / 1 Back to GalleryFive teenagers were arrested in connection with a robbery attempt that turned into a shootout with an off-duty Universal City police officer on the North Side, according to the San Antonio Police Department. FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inboxThe off-duty officer, who called in the burglary, said he fired at the teenagers after they robbed him and threatened to kill him, according to SAPD. Before the shooting, the off-duty officer said he saw the teenagers trying to break into cars at the apartment complex. Fearing for his life, the off-duty officer pulled out his gun and shot nine times at the teenagers while one of the teens returned fire, police said.
mysanantonio.comTeacher caravan spreads positive message
Teacher caravan spreads positive messageSiblings (from left) Rose Baker, 4, sixth-grader Haylie Doty, 12, and kindergartner Quinn Baker, 6, greet a caravan of teachers from Rose Garden Elementary on a teacher wave parade in Universal City on March 24. less Siblings (from left) Rose Baker, 4, sixth-grader Haylie Doty, 12, and kindergartner Quinn Baker, 6, greet a caravan of teachers from Rose Garden Elementary on a teacher wave parade in Universal City on ... more Photo: Marvin Pfeiffer /Staff Photographer Photo: Marvin Pfeiffer /Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Teacher caravan spreads positive message 1 / 1 Back to GalleryAlexander Rodriguez stood, quiet but anxious, on the curb. April Goertz, a third-grade teacher at Rose Garden, helped organize and chart the paths for two days of Owl Drives through the schools attendance zone on March 23 and 24. Its a family here at Rose Garden Elementary. Karlie Baker stood in front of her East Langley Boulevard home with her three children: Haylie Doty, 12, in sixth grade; Quinn Baker, 6, a Rose Garden kindergarten student; and Rose Baker, 4. I think what hit me the hardest was seeing seniors that stepped outside, who went to Rose Garden Elementary, she said.
mysanantonio.comSan Antonio-Area Restaurant Adds Kobe Bryant Mural Following His Death
Several San Antonio buildings lit purple lights this week to honor NBA player Kobe Bryant following his death Sunday in a helicopter crash. San Antonio's championships in 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2005 have so much meaning because they were earned after tough competition from Bryant and the Lakers.During that era, Bryant was the player San Antonio loved to hate. From local politics and culture to national news that hits close to home, San Antonio Current has been keeping San Antonio informed for years. Its never been more important to support local news sources. If quality journalism is important to you, please consider a donation to San Antonio Current.
sacurrent.comSan Antonio-Area Officials Deal Another Defeat to Private Detention Company VisionQuest
click to enlarge Jade Esteban EstradaBexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert has been an outspoken critic of VisionQuest's plan to open migrant shelters here. Municipal officials have slammed the door for the sixth time on for-profit detention company VisionQuest's effort to open shelters for migrant boys in the San Antonio area.On Tuesday night, Universal City's council unanimously turned down a rezoning request from New Covenant Family Church to turn a shuttered school building into a shelter for up to 60 boys, the Express-News reports The decision follows a vote late last year by the San Antonio City Council to bar the Arizona-based firm from locating another migrant youth shelter at an East Side community center owned by the Second Baptist Church.The Detroit-based law firm of Dalton and Tomich subsequently sued the city on behalf of Second Baptist, arguing that that the church's plan was constitutionally protected under its religious freedom.But the San Antonio area isn't alone in pushing back at VisionQuest since the company won $25 million in federal grants to house unaccompanied minors in government custody.Some of the blowback stems from anger about the Trump administration's draconian immigration policies. But officials in communities including Los Angeles and Philadelphia have also expressed concern over the 46-year-old company's track record with detention facilities Last summer, Los Angeles' city council adopted a motion declaring that private detention centers such as one proposed by VisionQuest "are not welcome in the City of Los Angeles," adding that officials "must ensure that none will ever be built or operated within its borders.Earlier this month, a Pennsylvania judge stopped the company from opening a shelter for migrant youths in North Philadelphia at the city's behest. Philadelphia terminated a contract with VisionQuest in 2017 after state inspectors raised concerns about the treatment of children in its custody.Citing state inspection records, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that staff members directed physical violence against children at its facilities. The sites were also dirty and employed workers who lacked adequate training, according to records.Jesus never said let the little children come to me and I will bash their heads through a wall, Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert, one of VisionQuest's most vocal local critics, told theafter the Universal City vote.
sacurrent.comMan connected to numerous package thefts arrested, Universal City police say
Universal City, TEXAS – Universal City police have recovered more than $5,000 worth of stolen items. Police said they found more than 30 items inside the hotel room along with a woman. Alamo Heights police confirm Pedrotti is also a suspect in seven cases in their city involving items stolen from front porches from Nov. 24 to Dec. 3. Travis said detectives are now trying to get the stolen items back to their owners. If you had something stolen, call your local police department or Universal City police at 210-658-5353.
Porch pirate seen stealing package in Universal City
UNIVERSAL CITY, Texas – Another porch pirate was seen stealing a package off a front porch, this time in Universal City. The thief can be seen getting into the passenger side of a red, two-door car after swiping the package. Mail theft has been caught on camera numerous times around the San Antonio area this year. A woman was seen on a Ring camera stealing packages in a San Antonio neighborhood on Nov. 8. Another woman was caught on camera stealing a package on Nov. 5 on the East Side.
Gabriels Liquor and Dons & Bens Files to Shutter Some San Antonio Stores as Part of Bankruptcy Filing
Instagram / gabrielsliquor5222 De Zavala Road in San Antonio3138 S.E. Military Dr. in San Antonio1734 Pat Booker Road in Universal City10235 Ironside Dr. in San Antonio6915 Bandera Road in Leon Valley8336 Marbach Road in San AntonioAfter filing for chapter 11 reorganization last month, the owner of Gabriels Liquor and Dons & Bens Liquor has asked a court to let it close six local stores and reject leases for three others, the Express-News reports Citing court papers, the daily reports that Gabriel Investment Group Inc. has identified the following stores for closure:The company also wants to reject leases for these three:Currently, Dons & Bens operates 30 stores and Gabriels another 15.
sacurrent.comSan Antonio man arrested after police pull him over with 16-year-old runaway
SAN ANTONIO - Universal City police arrested a man Wednesday after officers said he was pulled over with a half-dressed 16-year-old runaway girl in his car. William Shandore, 33, is charged with sexual assault of a child, Bexar County Jail records show. When police ran the girl's information, they discovered she had been reported as a missing person in San Antonio. Later, the girl told detectives that she had met Shandore at her apartment complex and gave him her number. She also told detectives she and Shandore had sex in San Antonio and Corpus Christi.