• Seven police officers were shot in San Antonio while responding to a "suicide in progress" call.
• The suspect was later found dead in his apartment after barricading himself during a standoff.
• All injured officers are expected to survive, with non-life-threatening injuries reported.
• The incident sheds light on the dangers officers encounter when responding to mental health crises.
• The suspect was previously arrested for assault and DWI and was out on bond.

SAN ANTONIO — In a troubling incident on Wednesday night, seven police officers from the San Antonio Police Department were shot while responding to a family member's plea for help concerning a possible suicide situation. The call, which originated in the Stone Oak neighborhood, indicated a serious crisis that required immediate intervention. As officers arrived at the scene, they were met with gunfire, leading to a chaotic confrontation.

According to AP News, the shooting began around 8:30 PM, shortly after officers had been notified of the situation. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus reported that the first officer on the scene was shot in his lower extremities, followed by several others sustaining injuries as they attempted to apprehend the suspect, described as a man in his 40s. The injuries, albeit serious, were reported to be non-life-threatening, and all officers were expected to make a full recovery.

During the course of the ordeal, the suspect barricaded himself inside the apartment following the initial shooting. A SWAT team was deployed, and efforts were made to negotiate with him for several hours. In a later update, Chief McManus indicated that the suspect was found dead inside the apartment, although it remains unclear whether he died from self-inflicted injuries or as a result of police fire CBS News reported.

This incident not only underscores the inherent dangers law enforcement officers face in responding to potentially volatile situations involving mental health crises but also raises ongoing questions regarding the safety measures in place for both officers and the individuals they are attempting to assist. The police chief emphasized the importance of developing better strategies for such calls to minimize risks during operations.

The suspect had a previous criminal history, having been arrested just days before the incident on charges related to assault and driving while intoxicated, illustrating a troubling pattern of behavior that may have contributed to the escalation of the situation. As investigations continue, officials are expected to release more details about the incident and the condition of the wounded officers. Authorities urge anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts to contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Newsweek.