SAN MARCOS, Texas — A violent weekend took a tragic turn when multiple shootings left one person dead and three others injured, prompting a news conference by local authorities on Monday to provide updates and urge community vigilance.
The incidents began in the early hours of Saturday when a shooting occurred at Old Ranch Road and Houston Street around 1 a.m. Police Chief Stan Standridge reported that at least seven shots were discharged into an apartment occupied by two residents. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from this exchange, and the shooter remains at large.
Later that evening, just before 10 p.m., another shooting erupted near Kissing Alley on Hopkins Street, adjacent to The Square and the historic Hays County Courthouse. Initially responding to reports of a robbery, officers shifted focus when they heard gunfire. Three individuals were struck during this incident, with one later succumbing to injuries at a local hospital. Authorities noted that the deceased had sustained at least five gunshot wounds.
The two remaining victims, who are expected to recover, each suffered two gunshot wounds. Police are actively seeking two male suspects believed to be involved in the shooting. Descriptions released indicate one suspect wore a black hoodie with white lettering while another was in a two-tone black and gray jacket, dark pants, and a beanie. Witnesses reported that the suspects fled in a silver or gray Audi A3 sedan, which police later recovered using surveillance footage.
“This shooter is considered armed and dangerous,” Chief Standridge cautioned during the press conference. He unveiled details from video footage showing the shooter approaching victims lying on the ground and continuing to fire. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and police are appealing to the public for any information that could assist the investigation.
By 1:15 a.m. Sunday, the police department ordered downtown bars to close in response to the escalating violence. Just ten minutes later, officers reacted to another shooting at The Outpost apartment complex located on Post Road. Witnesses described a chaotic scene that developed from a fight, resulting in multiple gunshots. While one person was injured and transported to the hospital by friends before police arrived, no arrests have been made in this case. Chief Standridge mentioned that investigators have a strong lead on a potential suspect.
The quiet community, about two miles from the earlier shooting at The Square, has been shaken by these events. Authorities clarified that the incidents were unrelated, further highlighting the unpredictable nature of the violence.
As officers were concluding their response to the earlier events, another shooting broke out on North LBJ Drive around 1:50 a.m. Though multiple shots were fired, it remains unclear if anyone was injured. A suspect, 20-year-old Eliezer Johnson Hernandez, was apprehended shortly after.
In light of these tragic events, officials encourage anyone with information, photos, or videos related to the shootings to reach out to the San Marcos Police Department. Witnesses can contact Detective Robert Elrod for assistance.
The community grapples with the aftermath of these incidents, hoping for swift justice and safety in the days to come.