Man tracks down stolen car and shoots thief dead in gunfight at shopping centre

29 July 2023 , 00:28

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Scene of the shooting at South Park mall in San Antonio, Texas where a man shot and killed a man who allegedly stole his car (Image: KSAT 12/Youtube)

A man whose car was stolen took matters into his own hands, tracking down his vehicle to a shopping center parking lot before engaging in a fatal gunfight with the alleged thieves.

The incident occurred just before 1 pm on Thursday outside South Park Mall, San Antonio, Texas. After discovering the location of his stolen car, the owner confronted the driver and a female companion at gunpoint, instructing them to step out of the vehicle.

He then positioned them by the tire while awaiting the arrival of the police. However, the situation quickly escalated when one of the suspected thieves, a male, allegedly drew a firearm from his waistband and opened fire, hitting the car owner.

Scene of the shooting at South Park mall in San Antonio, Texas (KSAT 12/Youtube)

The car owner allegedly returned fire, resulting in the death of the alleged robber. The female passenger in the stolen car was also shot and is currently in critical condition at a local hospital. The owner of the stolen vehicle sustained injuries but is in stable condition.

The identities of those involved in the incident have not been disclosed, and no charges have been filed as of now. Police authorities have described the case as an apparent act of self-defense.

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San Antonio Police Department Chief William McManus addressed the incident at a press conference, stating: "Certainly a case of self-defense, is what we have. We would prefer that they call the police before taking that into your own hands, but he did what he felt he needed to do."

San Antonio Police Department Chief William McManus giving an update on the shooting (KENS-5)

Chief McManus emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and did not explicitly comment on whether the car owner's actions were considered justified.

A video from the scene showed the deceased alleged thief lying on the ground, while the injured female received assistance from two individuals. Blood was visible on her leg, which appeared to be attached to a boot, as well as a pool of blood near the deceased suspect's head in the parking lot.

Texas boasts one of the strongest "Stand Your Ground" laws of self-defense, which cannot be invalidated by a jury or a progressive District Attorney, as affirmed by the state's Governor. Chief McManus confirmed that the car owner had the right to track down his stolen vehicle, but the investigation will determine if his actions were in accordance with the law.

Authorities urge citizens to prioritize their safety and contact the police when facing criminal incidents rather than taking matters into their own hands.

Lucy Williamson