San Antonio police have identified the suspect involved in a tragic incident in Stone Oak, where seven police officers were shot during a response to a suicide-in-progress call.
The suspect, 46-year-old Brandon Scott Poulos, was found dead following a prolonged standoff on Wednesday night, January 22.
According to court records, Poulos had a history of legal troubles leading up to the incident. On January 18, he was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including assault causing bodily injury to a family member, two counts of injury to a child, elderly, or disabled person with intent to cause bodily harm, and one count of driving while intoxicated (DWI). Poulos was released on bond the following day, despite the severity of the charges.
Poulos was referred to veteran’s court for mental health evaluation, which had been ordered prior to this week’s events. The circumstances leading to the fatal standoff, however, are still under investigation, including any connections between his recent legal troubles and his actions on the night of the shooting.
During the standoff, police responded to reports of a potential suicide in progress. Upon arrival, officers were met with gunfire. Seven officers sustained injuries in the exchange. Fortunately, none of the injuries have been reported as life-threatening, though the incident has left a significant impact on the San Antonio Police Department.
The case has drawn attention to the challenges of addressing mental health issues among individuals with complex legal histories. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus has expressed gratitude for the officers’ bravery and reiterated the importance of mental health resources in preventing tragedies like this one.
The investigation into the shooting and the events leading up to it remains ongoing.
