Salazar says the suspect may be facing one charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon along with a domestic violence-related charge.
BEXAR COUNTY, Texas — A man has been arrested after allegedly shooting a gun into the ground while be detained by Bexar County sheriff’s deputies Sunday, officials say.
Sheriff Javier Salazar said deputies were called to the 26900 block of Rustic Brook on Sunday evening for a domestic violence call. When they arrived, they tried to make contact with the 56-year-old suspect, the father of the house, who allegedly assaulted his 30-year-old son.
Deputies then went hands-on with the suspect – later identified as 55-year-old Shon Essman – who offered only passive resistance, according to BCSO.
As deputies attempted to handcuff him, Salazar said, Essman took out a firearm from his waistband. Deputies were close enough to restrain the hand holding the weapon.
The suspect then fired one shot into the ground before his gun jammed, Salazar said. Deputies then wrestled him to the ground and disarmed him.
“Needless to say, this suspect is absolutely fortunate that these deputies were in position to show a great deal of restraint,” Salazar said during a news conference. “There is no doubt in my mind the actions of these deputies tonight saved the life of that suspect. His own stupid actions really could’ve gotten himself or someone else seriously injured or killed. I’m thankful tonight that our deputies are not injured and that everyone is going home safe and sound this evening.”
BCSO says that they have been to the residence about 14 times within the last year and a half to two years.
Online records indicate Essman faces two counts of aggravated assault against a public servant and assault causing bodily injury against a family member. Salazar said he has a violent criminal history, mostly involving assault.
According to online records, he has an extensive criminal history.
Nobody was seriously injured, as Salazar says the son just had some facial injuries.
Salazar says that the “situation could’ve been much, much worse” if it weren’t for the actions of the deputies.
Police say a woman who was inside the home and is considered a witness suffered a medical episode; deputies assigned to Bexar County’s mental health team responded to assist her.
With more than a dozen domestic violence calls at this home, Salazar also reminded the public that if anyone finds themselves in a violent relationship, get yourself out of that situation.
“You never want to see anybody’s marriage or relationship end,” Salazar said. “But unfortunately, once that violence starts to kick in, you’ve got to get yourself out of that situation or it’s going to continue to escalate until somebody gets hurt or killed.”
Salazar says that the two deputies involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative duty. Per BCSO policy, the incident is considering an officer-involved shooting even though they didn’t fire their weapons.