SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio police officer who died by suicide while on duty Tuesday was under investigation for invasive visual recording at a Rockport motel, records obtained by KSAT show.
SAPD confirmed Thursday that the death of Officer William Kasberg, who was with the department for 30 years, was not an accident.
SAPD Chief William McManus initially said that Kasberg was preparing to enter a state-mandated ALERRT training session when his weapon accidentally discharged, striking him. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
He was under criminal investigation by the Rockport Police Department for recording a teenager without their consent inside a bathroom, records obtained from Rockport police state.
The incident happened Nov. 14 at a motel in the 7300 block of South Water Street. The offense was reported to Rockport on Nov. 25.
In a news release, Rockport police said Kasberg was visiting Rockport with his girlfriend and relatives, when a relative noticed the invasive visual recording.
“On December 9, 2024, detectives with the Rockport Police Department contacted Kasberg, who indicated he would agree to speak with detectives in person about our case at a later time,” the news release from RPD states.
Rockport Police Department Chief Nathan Anderson said the department will approach this case as it would any other investigation.
“We’re treating this just like any other case that we would investigate. The fact that he was a police officer in San Antonio, it has nothing to do with our investigation,“ Anderson said. “It’s unfortunate that it’s a fellow officer who’s being accused of this, but we’re handling the case just like we would any other citizen that this is reported on.“
On Thursday, SAPD said Kasberg used his own gun in the shooting.
Investigators said they are still looking for more evidence in this case.
“The next step now is the case will ultimately be cleared since the person accused is unfortunately took his own life,” Anderson said. “But we will continue with the investigation just to do our due diligence, whether to either clear him or see if there was probable cause that the crime occurred.”
No additional information was released.
San Antonio Officer News Release by akmoreno on Scribd
BACKGROUND:
Tuesday’s shooting happened at 9:30 a.m. near the vacant Columbia Heights Elementary School building in the 1600 block of Fitch Street.
A fellow officer, who was also heading to the training, heard the gunshot and found Kasberg lying on his back with a gunshot wound.
McManus described the incident as a “terrible, terrible tragic accident” at a news conference on Tuesday. He noted that Kasberg had served on the force for 30 years and was nearing retirement.
“This officer was well-respected. He was a fun guy,” McManus said.
No students or teachers were present, as the Harlandale Independent School District had closed the school, along with three others, in March 2023. The building was being used for active shooter training.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, call 988 or text TALK to 741-741.
You can also reach out to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) or the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) at 210-223-7233 (SAFE) or 800-316-9241. You can also text NAMI to 741-741.