The owner of a stolen vehicle shot the suspected culprits, resulting in the death of one of them, after tracing the car to a parking lot outside South Park Mall on Thursday afternoon, according to the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD).
SAPD Chief William McManus stated that the alleged thief fired the first shots after being ordered out of the vehicle at gunpoint by the owner while waiting for police to arrive. The owner was struck before firing back in response.
According to McManus, “Certainly, it appears to be a case of self-defense.”
He further added, “We would prefer that they call the police before taking matters into their own hands, but he did what he felt he needed to do.”
Suspect who was killed identified as Kevin Garcia.
Another passenger, who was inside the car when the owner caught up to them, is in critical condition after being shot.
Both the injured passenger and the vehicle owner were transported to a local hospital for medical attention.
The investigation is still ongoing, and as of now, it remains uncertain whether any charges will be filed, according to the police chief.
Following the incident, a large number of officers responded to the scene in the parking lot on the south end of the mall just before 1 p.m.
This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.
Truck owner shoots and kills suspect Kevin Garcia while trying to recover vehicle outside South Park Mall