Critical Incident Video Release from three officer-involved shootings

SAN ANTONIO (September 23, 2023) – Consistent with our Critical Incident Video Release Procedure, SAPD released videos from three officer-involved shootings that occurred on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 and Monday, September 4th, 2023.

August 30, 2023 – 2200 IH 10 E.

Street Crimes Unit officers were conducting surveillance at the 6800 block of Cross Spring for a suspect wanted on a warrant for Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant. Officers located the suspect vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop. The suspect vehicle fled, striking a marked patrol unit. The suspect drove the wrong way on IH 10 E access road and crashed into a civilian vehicle and then fled on foot as officers ran after him. The suspect fired multiple rounds at the officers, striking one officer on his arm. Two officers shot multiple rounds at the suspect who continued to run down a grassy embankment onto the main lanes of IH 10 E. While on the highway, the suspect began pointing his gun and shooting at passing motorists in an attempt to gain access to a vehicle. Two officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect, striking him. The suspect, 40-year-old Michael Kirkland, was pronounced dead at the scene. The injured officer was transported to a local hospital in stable condition.

• Link to Narrated Version: https://youtu.be/maQ7F3hDIHs

• Link to Raw Version: https://youtu.be/zDGt1E_2YaE

August 30, 2023 at the 600 block of SW Loop 410.

Undercover detectives assigned to the Property Crimes Task Force, located a stolen vehicle in the northwest part of San Antonio which had been involved in multiple vehicle burglaries. Officers maintained surveillance on the stolen vehicle as it drove from IH 10 to Loop 410, eventually exiting at Highway 151 and entering the parking lot at the 600 block of SW Loop 410. The driver of the stolen vehicle exited the front passenger door and fled on foot. The second suspect exited the vehicle but was quickly apprehended. An undercover detective ran after the suspect and ordered him to stop. The suspect continued to flee from police and then reached into his clothing to retrieve a handgun. A single gunshot was heard and an undercover detective fell to the ground. An officer, who observed the detective fall after hearing the gunshot, drew his weapon and fired multiple rounds at the suspect who was running with a gun in his hand. The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Victor Fernandes, was struck several times and later pronounced deceased at the scene. The detective was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. During the investigation, it was discovered the detective accidentally shot himself. 

1. Link to Narrated Version: https://youtu.be/2K1DlHhiS7U

2. Link to Raw Version: https://youtu.be/cI-nv_x0nS

September 4, 2023 100 block of Prestwick

September 4, 2023 100 block of Prestwick. While on patrol, two officers assigned with the SAPD Covert Response Unit, received information on the location of a suspect, who was wanted on 4 warrants for Aggravated Robbery. Both officers, each in a separate vehicle, drove to the rear of the apartment complex to apprehend the suspect. As the first officer arrived, the suspect began walking away from the officer while

having his left hand in his pocket. The officer gave him commands to show him his hands and the suspect removed a cell phone from his left pocket. Officers continued to give commands when the suspect turned and began to walk away from the officers, while reaching into his front pockets. One officer deployed his Taser on the suspect, causing the suspect to fall forward. As the suspect fell, he rotated his body around, pointing a firearm at both officers. Both officers discharged their firearms at the suspect, striking him. The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Jacob String, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

• Link to Narrated Version: https://youtu.be/xcGkyE0TYz4

• Link to Raw Version: https://youtu.be/aK1bq4JKQjk

As with all officer involved shootings, the District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the incidents. At this time, this is all the information we will be releasing.