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.
Crime
23-year-old Donell Gause killed after shooting in North Lawndale neighborhood in Chicago
As of Wednesday morning, no suspects were in custody.
A tragic shooting early Wednesday claimed the life of a young man in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood.
The victim, identified as 23-year-old Donell Gause, was found lying in the street after police responded to a report of gunfire in the 1100 block of South Francisco Avenue around 12:45 a.m.
Emergency responders transported Gause to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was treated for multiple gunshot wounds.
Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
As of Wednesday morning, no suspects were in custody.
The case is currently under investigation by detectives from Area 4, who are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify those responsible.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward and contact law enforcement.