SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio police officer and a suspect were both in the hospital with gunshot wounds after a shooting on the Northwest Side overnight on Tuesday.
- Police chase turns into shooting
- Officer shot by suspect
- Suspect then shot by officer
The incident began as a police chase around 1:35 a.m. when an officer spotted a car linked to a shooting from the past weekend. The chase ended at an apartment complex on Hamilton Wolf near Fredericksburg Road.
The suspect, later identified as Jonathan Cruz Garcia, crashed into a gate at the apartments and then ran to hide behind a wall. As the officer approached, police said the suspect ambushed the officer, shooting him in the chest and shoulder.
The officer returned fire, hitting Garcia twice. Police Chief Williams McManus said the officer was wearing protective gear and is in stable condition at a local hospital.
"There's some suspicion that this suspect may be part of a larger group working in this area. Again the officer did a fantastic job. it did nearly cost him his life," said McManus.
Police said the officer has been with SAPD for one year. The officer has now been released from the hospital.
Right now, police believe the suspect is tied to a large criminal group in this area.
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg released the following statement about the shooting:
“This morning’s shooting demonstrated once again the courage of San Antonio Police Officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect our City. Officer Drew Matthewson showed the kind of bravery that we can never take for granted. I am grateful that he was released from the hospital this morning. Our prayers are with him as he recovers at home. We owe a debt of gratitude to Officer Matthewson and his fellow officers for their courage and dedication as they keep our City safe.”