Man shot, killed by San Antonio police after struggle with officers

Police say he told responding officers, “I have a gun and I will shoot you.”

SAN ANTONIO — A man was been shot and killed by police after a brief struggle with officers.

Police were called to the 3200 block of Martin Street around 8:37 a.m. Sunday, September 18, for reports of a shooting involving a police officer.

According to police, they received information from a confidential source about an individual suspected of robbing stores, who was also wanted on multiple warrants. Police were told the suspect they were looking for was in the area of West Martin Street.

When officers responded, a suspect who matched the description was riding his bicycle around the area. During a brief struggle with officers, he told them, “I have a gun and will shoot you.” He reportedly reached for his waistband and was subsequently shot three times.

Chief McManus said the suspect had multiple forms of identification on him with several different names.

The man has now been identified as Alejandro Vitela, 29.

He died at the scene. No weapon was found at the scene.

San Antonio Police released this video of the incident.

The officer who shot Vitela is a 13-year veteran of the force. He suffered a broken hand during the struggle and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

As with all officer-involved shootings, the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office is investigating.