Crime
San Antonio Police Officer William Kasberg dies after accidentally shooting himself outside Columbia Heights Elementary School
The incident unfolded around 9:30 a.m. at the former Columbia Heights Elementary School, located in the 1600 block of Fitch Street near West Southcross Boulevard.
The facility, now repurposed for training activities, was hosting a session of the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT), a state-mandated program for Texas law enforcement officers.
According to SAPD Chief William McManus, Kasberg had just arrived at the training site and was retrieving his belongings when his pistol accidentally discharged.
A fellow officer arriving at the scene discovered Kasberg lying beside his pickup truck. Emergency medical services transported him to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Officer Kasberg was a 30-year veteran of law enforcement and was approaching retirement. Known for his positive outlook and dedication to his work, he left a lasting impression on his colleagues.
“He was a good officer, always up, always joking. He never seemed to have a care in the world, and then this happened,” Chief McManus said during a press briefing at the scene. “This is a sad day for SAPD.”
The ALERRT program, designed to prepare officers for rapid response in critical situations, was being conducted at the Columbia Heights facility, which had been closed as an elementary school in 2023 due to low enrollment.
In light of the incident, the Harlandale Independent School District (ISD) issued a statement emphasizing that no students were present during the tragedy.
“We want to emphasize that no Harlandale ISD students are present at the Columbia Heights Center, as the facility is used for training activities,” the district stated.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accidental discharge of Kasberg’s firearm to better understand how the tragic incident occurred.
The loss of Officer Kasberg has sent shockwaves through the SAPD and the San Antonio community. As a respected and experienced officer, his sudden passing leaves a void in the department. Colleagues and community members alike are remembering his contributions to law enforcement and his positive impact on those around him.
The SAPD and local officials continue to extend their condolences to Officer Kasberg’s family, friends, and colleagues as they process this devastating loss.
SANTA ANA, CA — Community members are expressing outrage and concern following the release of Alejandro Acosta Oliveros, a 45-year-old Santa Ana resident, who has been accused of abducting, torturing, and killing numerous cats throughout Orange County.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Oliveros has been released on bail and is now back in the community as the investigation continues.
Dubbed a “serial cat killer” by law enforcement, Oliveros was arrested earlier this week after Santa Ana Police officers executed a search warrant at his residence on Wilshire Avenue.
Authorities reported that Oliveros confessed to the crimes during questioning, though the full extent of his actions remains under active investigation.
Officials have yet to determine how many animals were harmed, but investigators have stated that the number is believed to be “significant.”
According to a spokesperson for the Santa Ana Police Department, “We are still working to determine the scope of this case and how many cats may have been victimized. The cruelty involved is deeply disturbing.”
Community concern has mounted in recent weeks, as residents across Santa Ana and neighboring areas began sharing surveillance footage and firsthand reports of cats being lured, abducted, and later found injured or deceased.
One widely shared video from March 21 in Westminster showed a man, believed to be Oliveros, capturing Clubber, a 10-month-old Bengal Lynx cat.
While Clubber was eventually recovered and returned to his home, the suspect remained at large—until his arrest this week.
Disturbing reports later emerged indicating that many of the missing cats may have been killed. Posts from platforms like Nextdoor recounted chilling details of cats being restrained or allegedly injected with unknown substances.
In one report, a neighbor stated: “We saw the man tie a cat’s legs and walk off toward McFadden.” Another added: “My neighbor’s cat was killed. He was injected with something and didn’t survive.”
Despite the severity of the charges, Oliveros was released on bail shortly after his arrest.
This development has alarmed residents, animal advocates, and grieving pet owners who say they now fear for the safety of their pets—and for the wellbeing of their community.
“This is not just about one person’s loss. This is about protecting countless animals who deserve safety, love, and life,” said one resident. “We need to remain vigilant, speak out, and demand justice.”
The public is strongly encouraged to take the following steps:
- Report any suspicious behavior toward animals to local law enforcement or animal control immediately.
- Speak with neighbors and friends to raise awareness about the situation.
- Contact local officials and media outlets to demand accountability and advocate for stricter laws to prevent animal cruelty.
- Support victims and families who are grieving the loss of beloved pets.
The Santa Ana Police Department has stated that formal charges are expected to be filed soon and emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.
Authorities continue to gather evidence and encourage anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Santa Ana Police Department at (714) 245-8665.
The community’s continued cooperation and vigilance will be essential in seeking justice for the animals affected and ensuring that those responsible are held fully accountable.