Meet the SAPD Officers Involved in Fatal Shooting During Mental Health Call: What You Need to Know

San Antonio Police Shooting Involving Mental Health Crisis

San Antonio recently witnessed a tragic incident involving police and an individual in crisis. On Saturday night, officers responded to a mental health call at a Knights Inn on East Houston Street.

Officers Kevin Nguyen, William O’Brien, and Samuel Whiteside each have two years of service with the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD). They arrived at the scene around midnight after reports of a man threatening himself. According to an early report, the man was inside a hotel room and was using a cutting instrument on himself.

Once on the scene, the officers attempted to engage with the man. Unfortunately, he reacted by charging at them while still holding the weapon. In response, the officers fired their weapons, striking the man, who was later identified as 34-year-old Justin Hernandez. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

This incident highlights a growing concern over police responses to mental health crises. According to a recent study by the Treatment Advocacy Center, individuals with untreated mental illness are 16 times more likely to be killed during a police encounter than those without such conditions. This statistic underscores the need for improved training for officers in de-escalation techniques and mental health awareness.

After the shooting, SAPD placed the officers on administrative duty as part of standard protocol. Investigations are being conducted by both the Shooting Team and the internal affairs unit. Their findings will be reviewed by the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office.

The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled Hernandez’s death a homicide.

Engaging with a person in crisis can be complex. Solutions like Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT), used in many cities, aim to provide officers with specialized training to handle such situations better. These programs cultivate understanding and patience and may prevent tragic outcomes.

If you or someone you know struggles with mental health issues, resources are available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by calling 988 or texting TALK to 741-741. For additional support, organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Alliance on Mental Illness are excellent points of contact.

This incident is a reminder of the critical need for ongoing conversations about mental health support and police training in America.

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