A tragic incident unfolded in San Antonio, Texas, when a police response to a mental health crisis turned violent, leaving seven officers shot. The suspect, 46-year-old Brandon Scott Poulos, opened fire on officers before barricading himself inside his apartment. The situation ended with Poulos deceased, though it remains unclear whether he died by suicide or was shot by police.
What Happened?
Police Called for a Mental Health Crisis
On Wednesday, just before 8:30 p.m., San Antonio police responded to a call about a person in crisis. When officers arrived, Poulos immediately began shooting, striking seven of them.
After the shooting, Poulos barricaded himself inside his apartment for several hours. When police finally entered, they found him deceased, though the exact cause of death is still under investigation.
Injured Officers Expected to Recover
The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) shared updates on social media, stating that six of the seven injured officers have been released from the hospital. The remaining officer is expected to make a full recovery.
“We are reminded of the sacrifices our officers make every day and night to keep our community safe,” SAPD said in an online statement.
Who Was the Suspect, Brandon Scott Poulos?
Prior Arrests Days Before the Shooting
Police Chief William McManus revealed that Poulos had been arrested three times just days earlier, on Saturday:
- Twice for assault
- Once for driving while intoxicated (DWI)
According to police and court records, Poulos allegedly assaulted elderly family members and another woman in a violent altercation before being arrested.
Details of the Assault Incident
On Saturday, Poulos arrived intoxicated at a home where three people confronted him about his behavior. The situation escalated into violence:
- Poulos pushed an 81-year-old woman to the ground, causing her to hit her head.
- A 44-year-old woman tried to intervene but was also pushed down and dragged by her hair.
- When an 83-year-old man tried to help, Poulos punched him in the face.
After the assault, Poulos fled the scene but was arrested when police found his crashed vehicle nearby.
Criminal Charges and Release on Bond
Poulos faced multiple charges, including:
- Assault causing bodily injury to a family member
- Two counts of injury to an elderly person
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI) – second offense
Despite these serious charges, he was released on bond the next day. As part of his release conditions:
- He was given no-contact orders.
- He was prohibited from possessing or using firearms.
- He was referred to a specialty court for veterans and ordered to undergo a mental health assessment.
Poulos’ Military Background
Poulos served in the U.S. Navy for 10 years, from the late 1990s to 2008, and was stationed in New Jersey, California, and Illinois.
During his military service, he received several honors, including:
- National Defense Service Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
- Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities are still investigating how Poulos obtained a weapon despite his no-contact and firearm restriction orders. Police are also working to determine whether his fatal injury was self-inflicted or caused by officers.
This tragic event underscores the challenges police face in responding to mental health crises and the importance of mental health assessments and intervention.
