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.
โHe was a good officer, always up, always joking. He never seemed to have a care in the world, and then this happened,โ Chief McManus said during a press briefing at the scene. โThis is a sad day for SAPD.โ
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.
โWe want to emphasize that no Harlandale ISD students are present at the Columbia Heights Center, as the facility is used for training activities,โ the district stated.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accidental discharge of Kasbergโs 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 Kasbergโs family, friends, and colleagues as they process this devastating loss.
Middletown, Ohio โ Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal weekend shooting in Middletown as 49-year-old Christopher Bullock, according to the Butler County Coronerโs Office.
Officers with the Middletown Police Department responded around 12:00 p.m. Sunday to reports of gunfire in the area of Roosevelt Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers located two individuals who had sustained gunshot wounds.
Bullock was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A second victim was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Officials have not released the condition of the surviving victim.
At this time, police have not announced any arrests or identified a suspect.
Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact Detective Kristi Hughes at 513-425-7733 or via email at kristi.hughes@cityofmiddletown.org. Tips may also be provided through police dispatch at 513-425-7701.
Detective Hughes is further urging residents in the area to review home or business security footage for any suspicious individuals or vehicles that may have been present around the time of the shooting. The investigation remains active and ongoing.