SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Authorities say the San Antonio police officer who was fatally shot while writing a ticket in his squad car was Det. Benjamin Marconi.
Chief William McManus says an unknown suspect shot 50-year-old Marconi twice in the head. Marconi was a 20-year veteran of the force.
McManus says the suspect is considered to be “extremely dangerous and a clear threat” to both officers and the public. He says officers have been advised to not make traffic stops alone.
McManus said the officer had pulled over a vehicle and while he was inside his squad car writing a ticket, a vehicle pulled up behind him. He says the driver of that vehicle then walked up to the officer’s driver-side window and opened fire.
He says he does not believe the original motorist pulled over had any relationship to the shooter.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called the slaying a “horrific act of violence.” Abbott says “attacks against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated in Texas and must be met with swift justice.”