A Far West Bexar County vehicle burglary call turned into a much more dangerous scene after deputies say suspects fired at a homeowner who confronted them.
The incident happened early Tuesday near the 10100 block of Sawbuck Creek. Deputies responded around 3 a.m. after a caller reported a vehicle burglary and said a vehicle had been stolen, according to Fox San Antonio.
Authorities said a family member tried to locate the stolen vehicle in the area. Deputies said the suspects fired at a homeowner who confronted them, and the homeowner returned fire.
No injuries were reported.
A Stolen Debit Card Helped Deputies Track the Suspects
Investigators said the suspects drove away in a stolen vehicle after the confrontation. Around 5 a.m., authorities said a stolen debit card was used at a business in the 4600 block of Rittiman Road on the East Side.
That transaction helped officers locate the suspects and start a pursuit, according to Fox San Antonio. The chase ended near U.S. Highway 90 and Military Drive West.
Two Men Were Arrested After the Chase
Deputies arrested 22-year-old Jose Ricardo Herrera III and 19-year-old Davian Valentine Martinez. News 4 San Antonio reported that they were arrested on multiple charges, including aggravated robbery, burglary of a vehicle, and evading arrest.
Authorities recovered the stolen vehicle used in the pursuit. No firearms had been recovered in the initial report.
BCSO Has Warned Residents To Lock Cars and Remove Valuables
The same county has dealt with other recent vehicle-burglary cases. In a May report on a West Bexar County burglary spree, News 4 San Antonio reported that the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office advised residents to remove valuables and firearms from vehicles and make sure vehicles are locked.
Unlocked doors, visible bags, cards, electronics, tools, and firearms can make a parked vehicle an easy target.
When residents see people checking car doors or moving through driveways, the safer step is to stay inside, call 911 in an emergency, preserve camera footage, and let deputies handle the confrontation.