A San Antonio police officer has died after his service pistol accidentally discharged, according to Chief William McManus.
Officer William Kasberg was preparing to enter a state-mandated ALERRT training and was gathering his items when his weapon accidentally went off, striking him, according to SAPD.
During a news conference Tuesday afternoon, McManus called it a “terrible, terrible tragic accident.”
A fellow officer heading to the training heard the gunshot and investigated. He found the officer lying on his back with a gunshot wound.
>> History of San Antonio police officers killed in line of duty
Kasberg was later pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital, according to McManus. No one else was injured.
“It’s a sad day for SAPD,” the chief said.
McManus said Kasberg had 30 years on the force and was nearing retirement.
“This officer was well-respected. He was a fun guy,” McManus said.
The incident was reported at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday near the Columbia Heights Elementary School building in the 1600 block of Fitch Street.
No students or teachers were in the vicinity of the school: The Harlandale ISD school board voted to close the elementary school, along with three others, in March 2023.
SAPD and Harlandale ISD said the building was used for active shooter training.
Harlandale ISD released the following statement:
This morning, Harlandale ISD was made aware of a tragic incident involving a San Antonio Police Department officer at the Columbia Heights Center.
According to preliminary reports, the officer was critically injured while exiting his vehicle. SAPD are actively investigating the incident and will hold a press conference today with more details.
We want to emphasize that no Harlandale ISD students are present at the Columbia Heights Center, as the facility is used for training activities.
For further updates or inquiries, please contact the San Antonio Police Department.
Spanish version below:
Esta mañana, el distrito escolar independiente de Harlandale se enteró de un trágico incidente que involucró a un oficial del Departamento de Policía de San Antonio.
Según informes preliminares, el oficial resultó gravemente herido al salir de su vehículo. SAPD está investigando activamente el incidente y hoy realizará una conferencia de prensa con más detalles.
Queremos enfatizar que ningún estudiante del distrito escolar independiente de Harlandale está presente en el Centro Columbia Heights, ya que la instalación se utiliza para actividades de capacitación.
Para obtener más actualizaciones o consultas, comuníquese con el Departamento de Policía de San Antonio.
The SAPD Homicide Unit Shooting Team is investigating the incident.