Seven San Antonio police officers were wounded on Wednesday night as they responded to reports of a suicidal armed individual at the Sonterra Heights apartment complex. The suspect, identified as 46-year-old Brandon Scott Poulos, fired at the officers as they arrived on the scene, leaving all of them with non-life-threatening injuries.
The incident began around 8:30 p.m., initiated by calls from the suspect's family members who reported serious concerns. A female emerged from the building warning officers of the danger, stating Poulos was shooting inside the apartment and was coming out. Soon after, he exited and opened fire on the officers, hitting one officer in the leg.
Police Chief William McManus shared updates on social media, capturing the gravity of the situation. "Three officers shot responding to suicide in progress in Stone Oak. Just arriving on-scene. Scene still hot!!" he reported shortly after the first shots were fired.
According to preliminary police reports, as the situation escalated, backup was called. SWAT teams mobilized and attempted to convince Poulos to surrender peacefully for several hours. Despite their efforts, the suspect barricaded himself inside for hours, leading to heightened tensions among apartment residents who watched the chaos from their homes.
By Thursday afternoon, six of the seven officers had been treated and released from hospitals, and the officer who remained was expected to make a full recovery. The San Antonio Police Department thanked the community for their support, urging residents to keep the officers and their families in their thoughts.
Eyewitness accounts highlighted the fear felt by residents. Loredo, a nearby resident who witnessed the event, said, "It happened fast. They got him out of there pretty quick." Another resident, Alana Ouazzani, expressed frustration on social media as she asked, "When is the dude going to run out of bullets? I am getting really sick and tired of hearing gun shots. I also do not want anymore injured officers. We're supposed to be classy, Stone Oak." This statement reflects the shock felt by those who lived nearby.
Poulos was found dead after the barricade incident; authorities are still determining the cause of death, whether he was shot by SWAT officers or took his own life. His background raised troubling questions about gun access; he was previously arrested for assault and was out on bond at the time of the shooting.
According to police reports, Poulos had been involved in violent incidents prior to the standoff. Just days before, he had violated a protective order obtained by his wife following alleged assaults, creating severe concerns over his mental well-being and stability. The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office stated it was unable to prevent Poulos's release as his previous charges did not meet the threshold for detention without bail.
The injured officers, who have between four and eight years of service, will be placed on administrative duty as investigations are underway by both the SAPD's Shooting Team and Internal Affairs Unit.
This incident is not just alarming for the police department but poses significant concerns for residents of San Antonio, particularly those living near the Sonterra Heights apartments. Community members are grappling with the reality of this violent episode, which unfolded within their neighborhood.
San Antonio Police Chief McManus emphasized the reality police officers face each day, issuing statements reflecting on the sacrifices made to protect residents. The community's support remains strong as residents share their experiences of fear and solidarity, reinforcing their commitment to one another and to the officers serving their city. With each update, the families affected wait for clarity and healing, hoping for recovery not just for those injured but for the safety of their community at large.