The San Marcos Police Department responded to an incident along Interstate 35 in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 10, 2021, that resulted in the shooting death of the suspect.
At approximately 12:19 a.m. San Marcos officers were alerted to a male walking in traffic on Interstate 35 near southbound mile marker 204 for Seguin (TX-82, TX-123). Officers witnessed the man walk along the retaining wall then cross traffic and attempted to detain the man for his safety and for the safety of passing motorists.
Officers noted that the man was holding a knife or similar object in his hand, and at one point threatened officers by moving aggressively toward them. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation before the suspect turned and ran in front of traffic, resulting in a near collision with an 18-wheeler semi-trailer truck. Officers again tried to detain him, but the suspect turned and fully charged officers with a weapon held above his head in a manner similar to a striking or slashing motion. The suspect was shot and officers began to administer life-saving efforts including CPR.
Hays County EMS personnel were present at the scene and the suspect was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Maggie H. Moreno and was transported to the Medical Examiner’s office. The deceased had no identification on his person, so upon identification by the Medical Examiner, the next of kin will be notified and the media and public will be informed.
Three investigations are currently underway, including an independent investigation by the Texas Rangers Division of the Department of Public Safety, an investigation by the San Marcos Criminal Investigation Division, and an internal SMPD investigation. Two officers have been placed on administrative leave per department policy.
SMPD is not available for interviews at this time. For other media inquiries, contact communicationsinfo@sanmarcostx.gov.
###