One officer killed, two critically injured in ambush during domestic disturbance call
UPDATE 4/19 10:30 a.m. - A San Marcos Police officer is dead and two others are injured after police responded to a domestic disturbance Saturday, with an active shooter.
Officials with SMPD say officers responded to the Twin Lake Villas Apartments at 2917 Hunter Road at around 6:05 p.m. for reports of a 9-1-1 call for an assault/domestic disturbance.
Officer Justin Putnam, 31, was fatally wounded at the scene. He had been with the San Marcos Police for five and a half years and was a graduate of Texas State.
"We lost a fine young man last night," said Interim Chief of Police Bob Klett. Officer Putnam leaves behind fiancee and family with public safety backgrounds.
Officer Franco Stewart, who has been with San Marcos PD for five months and Officer Justin Mueller, who has been a police officer for ten months, were both injured in the ambush and underwent surgery at Ascension Seton Hays in Kyle Saturday night. They are currently in critical but stable condition.
The suspect has been identified as Alfredo Perez De La Cruz, 45, was found dead inside from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police said he had on body armor and started shooting at officers immediately.
“We are heartbroken to make this announcement,” said Interim Police Chief Klett. “We ask for your support for our fellow officers and their families as we try to cope with yet another tragic event in our San Marcos Police family.”
Governor Abbott released the following statement following the shooting:
Tonight's shooting in San Marcos is a somber reminder of the service and sacrifice our brave men and women in law enforcement make every day to keep us safe. I am grateful for the swift action of the San Marcos Police Department in containing the threat and minimizing the loss of life. I ask all Texans to join Cecilia and me in praying for the officer killed and for those injured, and for the continued safety of all law enforcement officers who protect our communities.
This is the second line of duty death for San Marcos Police. Officer Kenneth Copeland was shot and killed while serving a warrant on December 4, 2017, which was the department's first ever line of duty death.
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One San Marcos Police officer is dead and two others are injured after an active shooter situation Saturday, in which the suspect is also dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Officials with SMPD say officers responded to the Twin Lake Villas Apartments at 2917 Hunter Road at around 6:05 p.m. for reports of a 911 call for an assault/domestic disturbance.
The two injured officers were transported to Ascension Seton Hays in Kyle where they have undergone surgery. All families have been notified.
“We are heartbroken to make this announcement,” said Interim Police Chief Bob Klett. “We ask for your support for our fellow officers and their families as we try to cope with yet another tragic event in our San Marcos Police family”
Governor Abbott released the following statement following the shooting:
Tonight's shooting in San Marcos is a somber reminder of the service and sacrifice our brave men and women in law enforcement make every day to keep us safe. I am grateful for the swift action of the San Marcos Police Department in containing the threat and minimizing the loss of life. I ask all Texans to join Cecilia and me in praying for the officer killed and for those injured, and for the continued safety of all law enforcement officers who protect our communities.
This is the second line of duty death for San Marcos Police. Officer Kenneth Copeland was shot and killed while serving a warrant on December 4, 2017, which was the department's first ever line of duty death.
