San Marcos, TX – A wave of shootings rocked San Marcos over the weekend, leaving one person dead and multiple others injured. The San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) is actively investigating three separate incidents that occurred between Saturday night and Sunday morning. These events have raised concerns among residents and prompted increased security measures in the downtown area. Understanding the timeline, locations, and details of these shootings is crucial for the community as SMPD works to bring those responsible to justice.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the weekend’s events, including details about each shooting, the police response, and community reactions. We will delve into the investigation’s progress, offering updates as they become available. The goal is to keep the public informed and provide context to this developing story.
Shooting Near Kissing Alley: One Dead, Several Injured
The first shooting occurred at approximately 10 p.m. Saturday night near Kissing Alley on Hopkins Street, a popular downtown area. According to police reports, three individuals were transported to area hospitals with gunshot wounds. Tragically, one of the victims succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The other two victims are receiving medical treatment, and their conditions are currently unknown.
SMPD officers arrived on the scene to find a chaotic situation with many people fleeing the area. Investigators believe the shooting resulted from an altercation between two groups. Witnesses reported seeing the suspects flee in a four-door Audi A3. Police have since located the vehicle but are still working to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in this deadly shooting.
Following the incident, San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge made the decision to shut down bars in the downtown area at approximately 1:15 a.m. Sunday morning in an effort to prevent further violence. The shutdown aimed to control the situation and allow police to investigate the crime scene effectively. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the San Marcos Police Department.
Shooting on Post Road: Fight Leads to Gunfire
A second, unrelated shooting occurred at around 1:25 a.m. Sunday in the 1600 block of Post Road. Police received reports of a fight that escalated into a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered shell casings and a significant amount of blood near a pool, indicating a violent confrontation. One person was injured in the shooting and was taken to the hospital by friends before police arrived. The extent of their injuries is unknown at this time.
Unlike the Kissing Alley shooting, the suspect in the Post Road incident remains at large. Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are seeking information from potential witnesses. The motive for the fight and subsequent shooting is currently unknown. As the investigation unfolds, police are urging anyone with details about the incident to come forward.
Shots Fired on North LBJ Drive: Suspect Apprehended
At approximately 1:50 a.m., shortly after the end of daylight savings time, officers patrolling the downtown area heard multiple gunshots on North LBJ Drive. Police officers chased down and apprehended the suspected shooter, identified as 20-year-old Eliezer Johnson Hernandez. It remains unclear whether the gunfire struck any individuals or property.
Police believe this incident is unrelated to the earlier shootings near Kissing Alley and on Post Road. Hernandez was taken into custody and is facing charges related to the discharge of a firearm. The investigation is still ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure there are no other individuals involved.
Community Reacts to Weekend Violence
The series of shootings has left the San Marcos community shaken and concerned about safety, particularly in the downtown area. Michael Gonzalez, an employee at Harper’s Pub on the square, recounted hearing the initial gunshots near Kissing Alley. “We all kind of looked at each other confused, and then we started hearing them go off and off and off, and then we all kind of ducked and ran upstairs,” Gonzalez said. He and his coworkers remained locked upstairs for about an hour until it was safe to leave.
Gonzalez expressed his desire for increased security measures in the area. “Just want everyone to be safe when they come out here,” Gonzalez said. “It’s a college town, it’s supposed to be fun. We shouldn’t have to be scared to go out on the weekend and hang with our friends.” This sentiment reflects the broader concerns of residents who want to enjoy the city’s nightlife without fear of violence.
Ongoing Police Investigation
The San Marcos Police Department is continuing its investigation into all three shooting incidents. Detectives are working to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze forensic data. The investigation is complex, involving multiple crime scenes and potential suspects. SMPD is committed to bringing those responsible for the violence to justice and ensuring the safety of the community.
Police are urging anyone with information about any of the incidents to contact the San Marcos Police Department at 512-753-2108. Even seemingly insignificant details could prove valuable to the investigation. The cooperation of the community is crucial in helping SMPD solve these crimes and prevent future violence.
San Marcos Grapples with Weekend Shootings: A Call for Community Vigilance
The weekend shootings in San Marcos have left the community in mourning and seeking answers. The incidents, spanning from the deadly shooting near Kissing Alley to the gunfire on North LBJ Drive, underscore the need for increased vigilance and proactive measures to ensure public safety. As the police investigation continues, the community must come together to support the victims and work towards preventing future acts of violence.
The events of this weekend serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing communities across the nation. By staying informed, cooperating with law enforcement, and fostering a culture of safety and respect, San Marcos can overcome these challenges and build a stronger, more secure future for all its residents. FYM News will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
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