Woman killed by teen fleeing police

SAN ANTONIO, TX – A covert police operation took a devastating turn late Monday night when a 19-year-old suspect, trying to evade arrest, caused a fatal crash on the city’s south side. The incident, which unfolded on West Pyron Avenue, resulted in the tragic death of an innocent pedestrian, leaving the community in shock and mourning.

The suspect, identified as Leo Panero, was already known to law enforcement. He had previously been convicted in 2023 for leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle, during which two officers were injured. Despite his three-year sentence, Panero served only five months behind bars. Now, he faces new charges, including evading arrest and murder.

The fatal crash occurred as undercover officers were conducting a narcotics investigation. Authorities reported that Panero fled from officers around 12:40 a.m., losing control of his vehicle and crashing into a guardrail before striking a woman on the sidewalk. The woman, whose identity has not yet been released, died at the scene.

Residents in the vicinity described the sound of the crash as thunderous. One neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted the moment, saying, “It sounded like thunder. We didn’t think much of it until we heard more noises and saw the police.” The neighborhood quickly filled with law enforcement officers, trying to piece together the events leading to the tragedy.

According to police, the undercover officers had been tailing Panero as part of their investigation when they called for a marked unit to pull him over. However, Panero accelerated, leading to the destructive crash. Surveillance footage captured the chaos as his car spun out, and both Panero and a passenger attempted to flee on foot. Police apprehended both individuals, but only Panero was charged.

The community remains heartbroken over the loss of the pedestrian, with neighbors expressing their grief and disbelief. Efforts are underway to determine if anyone in the area knew the victim, highlighting the profound impact of the incident on the local community.

Panero is currently held in the Bexar County Jail, with his bond set at $200,000. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the identity of the woman who lost her life in this senseless act of violence.