Two individuals suspected of vehicle burglary died early Sunday morning after a crash while attempting to evade Bexar County deputies, according to Sheriff Javier Salazar.
Details of the Incident
The incident began around 4 a.m. Sunday when a caller reported seeing two men in an older-model Toyota checking car door handles and breaking into vehicles in a Bexar County neighborhood. Investigators also have video evidence corroborating these reports of vehicle burglaries.
A deputy spotted the vehicle, described as blacked out, speeding away near the intersection of Blacktail Crest and Bonita Bend. The deputy pursued, activating overhead lights, but quickly lost sight of the Toyota. A second deputy then observed the same vehicle speeding through the intersection.
Deputies arrived at the crash scene to identify the Toyota already wrecked, with both occupants critically injured. Both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. As of Sunday, their identities remained unknown, and investigators were working to determine if the Toyota itself had been stolen.
Ongoing Investigations
Deputies continued to canvass the neighborhood Sunday morning, discovering additional vehicles that had been burglarized overnight. Both suspects were reportedly wearing gloves at the time of the incident, supporting the theory that they were actively engaged in burglaries.
The deputy who initiated the pursuit has been placed on administrative abandon and will be reassigned to administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigations. Sheriff Salazar stated that, at this point, it appears deputies followed department policy.
Looking Ahead
The investigations conducted by the Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Division and Public Integrity Unit are ongoing. Further details regarding the circumstances of the crash and the identities of the deceased will be released as the investigations progress. The investigations could also lead to a more detailed assessment of the events leading up to the crash.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time did this incident occur?
The initial call regarding possible burglars came in around 4 a.m. Sunday.
Were the suspects identified?
As of Sunday, neither of the individuals involved had been identified.
What is the status of the deputy involved in the pursuit?
The deputy who activated his overhead lights has been placed on administrative leave and will be moved to administrative duty while the case is reviewed.
How do communities balance the necessitate for public safety with the tragic consequences of high-speed pursuits?
