A suspect opened fire on four San Antonio SWAT officers attempting to serve an arrest warrant, sparking a gunfight that left both the suspect and one officer wounded, according to police footage released over the weekend.
Gunfire Erupts During Warrant Service
The confrontation unfolded shortly after 5 p.m. on June 16 when SWAT officers arrived in an unmarked vehicle to execute an arrest warrant. Officers located 35-year-old Roman Pena inside his parked vehicle and immediately observed he was holding a firearm. Without warning, Pena began shooting at the officers positioned in front of his vehicle. All four SWAT team members returned fire, discharging their weapons numerous times during the exchange. Dramatic police video shows officers firing through their own windshield as bullets flew in both directions during the intense shootout.
Both Pena and one officer sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Police confirmed no bystanders were injured despite the dangerous exchange of gunfire. Authorities charged Pena with four counts of aggravated assault against a peace officer following the incident. The officers involved each have between eight and nine years of service with the San Antonio Police Department.
Multiple Investigations Underway
The San Antonio Police Department initiated standard protocols following the officer-involved shooting. The department’s Shooting Team and Internal Affairs Unit are conducting separate, concurrent investigations into the incident. Additionally, the District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case, which is standard procedure for all officer-involved shootings in the jurisdiction. Police released body camera and dashcam footage to provide transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and subsequent gunfire exchange.
Support For Officers, Questions About Charges
Public reaction to the released footage showed strong support for the SWAT team’s response. Social media commenters praised the officers’ actions, with one stating the department has the best SWAT team and calling for prayers for the wounded officer’s speedy recovery. Some observers questioned why Pena faced aggravated assault charges rather than attempted murder charges, considering he opened fire on law enforcement officers. The injured officer’s current condition has not been disclosed by authorities. The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine all circumstances surrounding the warrant service and subsequent shooting.