Seven San Antonio Police Department officers were shot and injured Wednesday night while responding to a report of a suicide in progress at the Sonterra Heights apartment complex in Stone Oak. In the long standoff afterward, the suspect, identified as 46-year-old veteran Brandon Scott Poulos, was found dead. Poulos served in the U.S. Navy from 1998 to 2008. The motive behind the incident remains under investigation.
Police were dispatched to the 332-unit apartment complex in the 1800 block of Stone Oak Parkway just before 8:30 p.m. after receiving a 911 call reporting a “suicide in progress.” A second call followed, stating shots were fired at the scene. As officers arrived, a woman emerged from the apartment and warned the suspect was shooting inside and getting ready to come out.
Poulos emerged from the apartment and opened fire, striking one officer in the leg. Police pulled the wounded officer to safety and rushed him to the hospital. The violence only escalated as Poulos continued firing on backup officers. SWAT teams were deployed and spent hours attempting to negotiate with Poulos. Poulos was shot by officers during the exchange and died on the scene.
Some residents watched parts of the standoff from their apartments, while others temporarily evacuated or took shelter in closets from crossfire. Residents stated they saw officers administer a tourniquet to the injured colleague and evacuate residents once it became possible.
Residents expressed disbelief at the violence in their community, with one social media post commenting, “How could this happen here? I’ve seen videos of incidents like this, but never expected it in Stone Oak.”
By 2 a.m., police allowed evacuated residents to return to their homes. In live updates, SAPD Chief William McManus confirmed the injury of the officers during the standoff. All seven wounded officers were treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released by Thursday afternoon.