Three police officers from San Antonio are charged with murder. The charges were made in connection to the fatal shooting of a woman in her apartment.
Sergeant Alfred Flores, Officer Eleazar Alejandro, and Officer Nathaniel Villalobos, who had served for 14, 5, and 2 years respectively, have been arrested in relation to the incident. While initial reports stated their employment had been terminated, there were subsequent clarifications suggesting they were suspended without pay.
The incident took place in the early hours of Friday at an apartment complex on Old Pearsall Road. Responding to a call of property destruction, the officers found the woman, 46-year-old Melissa Perez, reportedly damaging a fire alarm system. This was considered as a criminal mischief felony.
Upon arriving, the officers found Perez talking to the fire department in the parking lot. After providing her personal details, she was reported to be experiencing a mental health crisis. Despite officers’ attempts to lead her to their patrol car, she retreated to her apartment and locked herself in.
A conversation ensued through an open window, which escalated when Perez threw a glass candle at an officer, leading the police to retreat and wait for reinforcements.
Upon their arrival, the police split up to monitor both the front and rear of the apartment. Despite their attempts to get Perez to come out, she refused.
Tensions escalated when Perez allegedly brandished a hammer at the officers. One officer fired at Perez but missed. When Perez approached the window again with the hammer, all three officers fired their weapons, hitting Perez twice.
Medical assistance was promptly provided to Perez, but her injuries proved fatal.
Following a review of the incident, arrest warrants were issued for the three officers.
The incident will be subject to three separate investigations from the Police Department’s Internal Affairs, Homicide Unit, and the District Attorney’s Civil Rights Division.