The man who shot and critically injured a San Antonio police officer was reportedly in the United States illegally.
Jorge Chacon-Gutierrez, a 25-year-old Venezuelan national, died during a shootout with San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) officers. The suspect was allegedly found lying in bed with a rifle, Fox News reported. The Bexar County Medical Examiner has yet to officially identify the suspect.
Chacon-Gutierrez was allegedly apprehended by border authorities in Eagle Pass, Texas, in November 2023 for unlawfully entering the country, according to new reports. According to records seen by Fox News, the suspect was given notice to appear in court at a later date and released from federal custody without any conditions of bond or release.
San Antonio police said one of its officers was injured and a male suspect died after both exchanged gunfire early Sunday morning. SAPD Chief William McManus said in a statement after the shooting that officers responded to a domestic violence call at an apartment complex around 3:15 a.m. on Patricia Drive.
“When officers arrived, they learned that a female victim had been assaulted by her boyfriend,” McManus said Sunday morning. “When officers went into the apartment, he was lying in bed with a rifle by his side.” After the suspect began shooting at the three SAPD officers, police said the officers returned fire before exiting the apartment.
One of the officers was hit multiple times and subsequently rushed to the hospital. A SWAT team entered the apartment and found the suspect with at least one gunshot wound. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said it is not known if one of the officers’ gunfire struck the suspect or if he took his own life. A police officer was wounded during the shooting, however, authorities said it was not serious. Authorities said the investigation into the case remains ongoing.
A recent poll by Gallup suggests that for the first time since 2005, more than half of Americans want immigration levels to reduce, which shows public attitudes have shifted and there is increased bipartisan support for greater border security. Another poll published on July 22 shows Trump is seen as better than Harris at handling immigration (+15).
