Melissa Perez (2023)

From LEO Ratings
 
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Overview

Critical Incident Video
Raw body-worn camera footage

On June 23, 2023, firefighters and San Antonio Texas Police Department officers responded to a vandalism call where Perez had cut the wires to a fire alarm panel at an apartment building. Perez locked herself in her apartment. When Perez broke her window with a hammer, one officer fired. Perez came to a door while carrying the hammer, and Sergeant Alfred Flores, and officers Eleazar Alejandro and Nathaniel Villalobos fired, striking Perez.[1][2]

Officers broke into the apartment to render aid. Perez died at the scene.[2]

The incident was captured on several officers' body-worn cameras.[1]

The Police Chief stated that the force used "was not reasonable" and "not consistent with SAPD policies and training".[2]

The officers were suspended without pay during an investigation.[1]

The officers were charged with murder.[2]

On July 7, 2023, Perez's family filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the officers and the city.[3]

On December 14, 2023, a grand jury indicted Alejandro and Flores for murder, and Villalobos for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon by a public servant.[4]

Video

On June 23, 2023, the department released a Critical Incident Video.[1]

Officers Involved


References


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