Not subscribed to local news but still want to stay up-to-date on the happenings around town? Look no further. Highlighting notable stories from external San Antonio news sources, State of the City summarizes the most captivating news headlines of the week. This week’s topics range from the arrest of a New Braunfels man who planned out multiple mass shootings to the VIA Metropolitan Transit offering voters free rides for the Nov. 5 election.
New Braunfels man arrested for threatening to shoot up a Buc-ee’s and two Canyon Lake high schools
The FBI prevented plans for multiple mass shootings after receiving anonymous tips about a New Braunfels man making threats towards a San Antonio Buc-ee’s and two Canyon Lake high schools. The perpetrator, Cameron Darrick Peterson, 20, was in court this past Thursday and has already been charged with one count of attempting to purchase a firearm to commit a felony. Peterson accepted a plea deal before this court ruling that reduced the potential sentencing of 20 years in prison to 10 years.
Federal authorities obtained various pieces of evidence that implicated Peterson before his arrest, including threats to shoot up a gas station on Instagram being denied the purchase of a gun from a Comal pawn shop because of the type of gun he was trying to procure and his age. Authorities were able to arrest Peterson on June 5 after placing him on a NIBC database from the first incriminations which helped alert the FBI when he tried attempting to purchase the same weapon again. This led to a search of Peterson’s house which found an improvised explosive device, a modified .22-caliber long rifle with a sawed-off buttstock and six magazines loaded with 60 rounds. The investigation is still ongoing by both federal and state authorities.
VIA Metropolitan Transit offers free rides to voters on election day
As early voting concluded this past week, the VIA Metropolitan Transit is offering free rides to any remaining voters who still need to cast their ballot for election day on Nov. 5. The “Ride VIA to Vote” program has served San Antonio voters since 2016 to ensure civic engagement and participation. Anyone needing a ride to the voting centers can utilize the regular VIA bus service, VIA link, VIAtrans paratransit, the Transit app and VIA goMobile+ app to plan ahead. To receive the free ride this Tuesday, present a valid voter registration card as proof of being a registered voter. .
MORE THAN PINK walk raises over $200,000 for breast cancer research
On Saturday, more than $200,000 was raised for Breast Cancer research by the Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK walk. The major event was held at the new Westover Hills Methodist Hospital to raise awareness and funds to support patients dealing with the disease and to help researchers find the cure for breast cancer. Many families, survivors and patients participated in the pre-walk warm-up and other activities hosted by the hospital. The event was considered successful as the organization exceeded its donation goal by $10,910.
Young girl bitten by dog on Halloween night
A young girl was reportedly bitten by a dog on Halloween night on the Northeast side of San Antonio. A social media post indicated the child was approaching a home while trick-or-treating when she was attacked by a loose dog. The child was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The writer of the post is considering pressing charges as she details that she and two other children were nearly mauled as well.
This recent incident highlights the growing concerns surrounding the recurrence of fatal dog attacks in San Antonio. District 10 Councilman Marc Whyte highlights the threat of loose animals by mentioning imposing harsher penalties on dog owners who have no constraints on their canines. He also referred to having a meeting with Governor Greg Abbott to discuss the legislative action needed to be taken to crack down on these dog attacks on a state-wide level. For now, animal care services are currently investigating and determining the outcome of this case.